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    • Can you see the comet tonight? Here’s where to look
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    Can you see the comet tonight? Here’s where to look

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

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    Didn’t you get enough of the Northern Lights last week and want even more celestial phenomena? A comet that is only visible once every 80,000 years is now overhead.

    Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS likely originated in the Oort Cloud, a distant region of icy debris at the edge of our solar system. It was discovered in 2023, came closest to the Sun on September 27, 2024, and passed only about 71 million kilometers from Earth in October of this year.

    For stargazers in Arizona, observing conditions for Tsuchinshan-ATLAS are promising. Here you will find everything you need to know about Tsuchinshan ATLAS.

    For more skygazing options, check out our calendar of major celestial events in 2024.

    Which comet is visible tonight?

    The rare comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible tonight.

    Is the comet visible to the naked eye?

    According to Space.com, comet C/2023 A3 will be visible to the naked eye and will shine as brightly as the brightest stars. However, it is entangled in the twilight of the sun, which can make it difficult to spot despite its brightness.

    The comet has been spotted by observers in the Northern Hemisphere since October 11, with a tail measuring 21 degrees, about 42 times the size of the full moon.

    When can you see comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?

    The best viewing opportunities for comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS are until October 26, 2024. The highest visibility was from October 14 to 15.

    Where is comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS now?

    On October 14th, the comet will be about 25 degrees from the Sun in the western sky in the constellation Virgo. It is visible shortly after sunset.

    Where can you see comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in Arizona?

    In the Phoenix metropolitan area, look toward the western horizon about 45 minutes after sunset. According to The Sky Live, a guide to the solar system, the comet will be located about halfway between the bright planet Venus and the star Arcturus.

    How long can you see the comet tonight?

    Depending on your location and the clarity of the atmosphere, you can usually see the comet about 20 minutes to an hour after sunset before it sets below the horizon. The comet will be visible until at least October 26th.

    How far away is Comet Tsuchinshan?

    Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is about 44 million miles from Earth and about 55.6 million miles from the Sun.

    When was Tsuchinshan ATLAS last seen?

    Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was last visible about 80,000 years ago, so this is a rare opportunity to witness its return to the inner solar system.

    Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact us at [email protected]. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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    Madoc Meredith
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