Astronomers are optimistic about Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) being visible in the hour before sunrise on four consecutive mornings this week.
According to Astrophysicist and Engineering Lecturer Gihan Weerasekera, Sri Lankans will have the opportunity to observe the comet tomorrow evening post-sunset.
Weerasekera explained, “While it appears as a faint fuzzy dot to the naked eye, a modest telescope or binoculars will reveal its magnificent tail in vivid detail. The comet will be visible 45 minutes to an hour before sunrise in the eastern sky,” he added.
As per the Sri Lanka Astronomical Association, additional instances of naked-eye visibility in the evening sky might occur in mid-October.
Based on information from the Live Science website, the comet C/2023 A3 is anticipated to reach its brightness peak today (Sep 27) as it approaches perihelion, its nearest point to the sun along its estimated 80,000-year orbit.
Sky enthusiasts in the Northern Hemisphere will have a chance to catch a glimpse of the comet slightly above the east-southeast horizon around 30 minutes before sunrise from Friday (Sep 27) to Wednesday (Oct 02).
Prime mornings to witness it include Sunday (Sept 29) and Monday (Sept 30), when C/2023 A3 will be accompanied by a delicate waning crescent moon.
By Monday (Sep 30), C/2023 A3 will have vanished into the light of dawn for those in mid-northern latitudes; however, individuals near the equator should still be able to spot the comet until October 02.
Following that, the comet will be concealed in the sun’s brilliance, set to reappear in the night sky of the Northern Hemisphere around Saturday (Oct 12) when it will be at its closest distance to Earth, positioned near the western horizon.
