In the coming days, it is worth looking out for comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) an hour after sunset. As Karol Wójcicki, a popularizer of astronomy and the author of the blog “With your head in the stars”, writes, the object will be visible above the western horizon. Check whether the weather will be favorable for observations.
In the coming evenings, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will appear in the sky. Seeing a bright object can be an unforgettable experience.
“It's hard to believe, but there are six evenings ahead of us with really great weather over most of Poland. And this means the opportunity to observe the beautiful comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) for absolutely everyone,” writes Karol Wójcicki, popularizer, on social media astronomy, author of the blog “With your head in the stars”.
When to look for a comet?
As the astronomy popularizer explains, regardless of the location, it is worth starting observations an hour after sunset. Why? Because by this time the sky will be dark enough to easily locate the comet.
“The above tip is universal. Use it regardless of the place of observation: Warsaw, Wrocław, Great Britain, India or the USA. In each place the sunset is at a slightly different time, but everywhere it is dark enough an hour after sunset that you will be able to see the comet without problem,” he adds.
We can check the sunset time in a given location online. If we add one hour to it, we will get the time in which we can easily spot the comet. “From this moment you have about 1.5 hours until the comet sets, and each day this time will increase by about 15 minutes!” – writes Wójcicki.
Where to look for C/2023 A3?
As the author of the blog “With my head in the stars” explains, the comet will be visible above the western horizon. “The West is where the Sun was setting, and where you will still see its glow. Look for the comet in this direction,” he adds. “Tonight, an hour after sunset, you will see it at 16 degrees above the horizon. Every next day at the same time, the comet will be about 2 degrees higher, which will directly translate into better visibility” – emphasizes Wójcicki.
You don't need a telescope or binoculars to observe a comet, but using them will certainly help you locate the object faster and see more details.
Will the weather be good?
According to tvnmeteo.pl forecaster Damian Zdonek, there will be heavy cloudiness in the east of the country on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. It will be difficult to see the comet in this part of Poland. However, in the west and center, almost cloudless skies are forecast for the next night.
– The next nights will be almost cloudless – added the forecaster. Only from Friday, more clouds are expected to appear in the west of the country.
Comet C/2023 A3
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) was discovered in early 2023 by scientists from the ATLAS project in Hawaii and China's Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory. Examination of its trajectory showed that it most likely came from the very gravitational fringes of the solar system.
Comet C/2023 A3 captured in North MacedoniaPAP/EPA/GEORGI LICOVSKI
tvnmeteo.pl, Head in the stars
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/GEORGI LICOVSKI