Getting closer and closer to the Sun, the Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) reached perihelion this Friday (27)It begins to show an intense glow that makes it easy to observe. Depending on weather conditions, it can be seen with the naked eye until mid-October.
The celestial body, also called the “Comet of the Century”, was discovered in January 2023 by researchers from the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China, in partnership with the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Latest Warning System (ATLAS) project in Hawaii. It got its nickname because of the brightness it can gain as it approaches Earth.
Around It will reach its maximum brightness on October 13, when it will be closest to the planet.There is a possibility that it will reach magnitude 3.0 or even 2.0. It is worth noting that the lower this number, the brighter the object.
Scientists expect comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) to have a brightness similar to Comet Hale-Bopp. Considered one of the brightest of the second half of the 20th century, Hale-Bopp was close to magnitude 3 when it passed by Earth in 1997.
How to observe the Comet of the Century?
Due to the orbit of comet C/2023 A3 relative to the Earth and the Sun, the observation conditions of the celestial body change over time. It will be visible in the east in the early morning hours, before sunrise, until October 7.
From October 7 to October 11, it will be very close to the Sun, making it difficult to see and for some astronomers It even increases the risk of comet disintegration. After October 12, C/2023 A3 will begin to move away, with observation occurring westward near the horizon after sunset.
According to the National Observatory, It is not yet possible to guarantee that the Comet of the Century will be visible to the naked eyeSince this depends on the intensity of brightness. In this case, you may need to use binoculars or a telescope to observe it; Astronomy apps like Stellarium, Sky Map, and Stark Walk 2 help you locate the object in the sky.
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Source: Tec Mundo
I’m Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I’ve written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.
