SPIRIT — Comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS is currently gracing the night sky and is expected to reach its maximum brightness in the next few days. Komet Tsuchinshan atlas free of charge it has a distinctive feature in the shape of a bright star-like head and a long elegant tail.
Although it is mostly visible in the Southern Hemisphere, observers in the Northern Hemisphere will soon be able to clearly see Tsuchinshan ATLAS. For those who want to see it, it is recommended to use binoculars at dawn or dusk, especially between October 10 and 12.
Comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS is expected to be very bright, perhaps even as bright as the planet Venus, with a tail that changes shape as it moves.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is advancing to peak brightness, ready to light up the night sky – and its prime time is just around the corner!
Today, it exhibits the characteristics of a typical bright comet, with a star-like head and impressive tail. Based on the latest observations, the brightness of this comet is between the first and second magnitude, indicating that this object is increasingly shining in the sky.
A rare phenomenon in the sky
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has a coma (comet head) with a diameter of about 209,000 kilometers and a tail that stretches 29 million kilometers. Previously, this comet was only visible in the Tropics and the Southern Hemisphere.
However, now observers in parts of the United States can see it, even though it is still low on the southeastern horizon at dawn. On October 9, the comet will reach its closest approach to the Sun, providing the best opportunity to see it.
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to see it around October 7 to 11, either at dawn or dusk, about 25 minutes before or after sunrise and sunset.
Striking clarity
It is estimated that, at its peak, the brightness of the comet could be equal to the brightness of the planet Venus, making it possible to see it even during the day. However, it is important to be careful when viewing comets close to the Sun, as direct exposure to sunlight can cause permanent eye damage.
The safest way to watch
The safest way to see this comet is on a computer screen using images from the Heliospheric and Solar Observatory (SOHO), which will capture the incredible time this comet will pass close to the Sun.
From October 12 to 26, comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will put on its best show in the evening sky, appearing about 6 degrees above the southwest horizon and rising higher each night.
On October 26, this comet will be 38 degrees above the horizon and will be the brightest object in the solar system, after the moon.
2024-10-08 23:23:00
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