Skywatchers in India have a unique opportunity to witness a celestial visitor that hasn’t been seen for approximately 80,000 years.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is currently visible in the early morning sky, offering a rare astronomical treat for those willing to wake up before dawn.
The comet, discovered in January 2023, reached its closest approach to the Sun (perihelion) on September 28, 2024. It is now moving away from the Sun and becoming increasingly visible to observers on Earth.
HOW TO SPOT COMET C/2023 A3 IN INDIA?
To spot Comet C/2023 A3 from India, follow these guidelines.
The best viewing opportunities are in the early morning hours, just before sunrise. Look for the comet from about an hour before dawn until the sky begins to brighten.
Focus your attention on the eastern sky, where the comet will appear low on the horizon. Choose a spot with a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, away from city lights and tall buildings.
While the comet may be visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope will greatly enhance your viewing experience. The comet currently appears as a fuzzy star-like object with a faint tail.
USE THE MOON AS A GUIDE
In early October, the Moon can help you locate the comet. Look for a fuzzy star with a misty tail below the Moon in the eastern sky.
The comet is expected to be at its brightest in early October, shining at a magnitude of around +0.66.
As the comet moves higher in the sky throughout October, viewing conditions should improve. By mid-October, it will be visible in the evening sky after sunset, though it may have faded slightly to a magnitude of +0.86.
Remember that comets can be unpredictable, and their brightness and visibility can change rapidly. Keep an eye on astronomical websites for the latest updates on Comet C/2023 A3’s visibility.
