Vaidehi Bhargava
The heavens are putting on a spectacular show as Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) makes its first appearance in Earth’s skies in an astonishing 80,000 years. Discovered in January 2023, this ancient traveler from the Oort Cloud has ignited excitement among skywatchers across the globe. Now visible in India, the comet offers a rare opportunity for celestial enthusiasts to witness an astronomical event that hasn’t occurred since the dawn of human civilization.
This icy visitor reached its closest approach to the Sun on September 28, 2024, a point known as perihelion. Now moving away from the Sun, it is becoming increasingly visible to observers on Earth, especially in the early morning hours just before dawn. Throughout October, the comet will rise higher in the sky, transitioning from the pre-dawn to post-sunset hours as it moves along its orbital path.
In India, the best time to spot Comet C/2023 A3 is during the quiet moments before sunrise. Look towards the eastern horizon, ideally in a location free from city lights and other obstructions. The comet, with its glowing coma and faint tail, resembles a hazy, star-like object. Using binoculars or a small telescope will significantly enhance your viewing experience, although the comet may be visible to the naked eye in darker areas.
As we advance into mid-October, the comet will be at its brightest, shining with a magnitude of around +0.66, making it one of the most visible comets in recent times. Though comets are known for their unpredictable nature, the current forecasts suggest that this celestial visitor will continue to provide a stunning spectacle until the end of October, with its visibility improving as it moves higher in the sky.
What makes this event even more captivating is its rarity. It will be thousands of generations before Comet C/2023 A3 returns, making this a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness one of the universe’s grand displays. As it streaks through the sky, this comet serves as a reminder of the incredible scale and wonder of the cosmos, a moment for all who gaze upward to feel connected to the ancient rhythms of the stars.