Tips and Tricks! C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in October 2024 is Here! #comet #astronomy #SpacePods

Finding Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in October 2024 will be an exciting opportunity for skywatchers. The comet will be at its best visibility in mid-October, as it approaches its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) and reaches peak brightness. To locate it, focus on the evening and morning skies, where it will pass through constellations such as Leo, Virgo, and eventually Scorpius by late October. The comet will be visible near the horizon, so finding a dark sky location with a clear view is crucial .

For beginners, using binoculars or a telescope with at least 7x magnification will enhance your view of the comet’s nucleus and tail. While it may be visible to the naked eye under dark skies, light pollution can obscure your ability to see it clearly, so the darker the location, the better. Free apps like Stellarium or SkySafari can help track the comet’s exact location, making it easier to spot as it moves across the sky .

Make sure to observe during clear weather with minimal cloud cover, and ideally, when the Moon is not too bright, as a bright Moon can reduce the visibility of the comet. The comet is expected to shine at a magnitude of around +4 or brighter, which means it could be faintly visible to the naked eye in optimal conditions . This comet could be one of the brighter ones in recent years, so planning ahead with the right gear and conditions will enhance your chances of seeing it clearly.

Good Morning, Y’all! Up before dawn with super clear
And cool nights outside of Houston. Still no capture with 3-sec exposures. iPhone 14