Wed Sep 25 09:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Comet A3: “Comet of the Year” to Grace Northern Hemisphere Skies in September and October

**Edmonton, Alberta -** Prepare to be dazzled! A comet dubbed “Comet of the Year,” officially known as C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), is set to become a celestial spectacle in the Northern Hemisphere this fall. After months of anticipation, the comet, initially discovered by astronomers in China and South Africa, is expected to reach peak visibility in September and October.

“If it survives its passage near the sun, Comet A3 could prove to be one of the brightest objects visible in the northern hemisphere,” says Franck Marchis, director of citizen science at the SETI Institute. “It’s an event not to be missed!”

The comet will reach its closest point to the sun on September 27th, then its closest point to Earth on October 12th. Both occasions should offer prime viewing opportunities. From September 27th to October 3rd, the comet will be visible in the east-southeast direction before sunrise, while from October 12th to October 26th, it will be positioned due west after sunset.

**Best Viewing Times:**

* **September 27th – October 3rd:** Look for the comet about 75 minutes before sunrise in the east-southeast direction. Binoculars may be helpful.
* **October 12th – October 26th:** After sunset, watch for the comet in the western sky. It will become progressively brighter and more visible with the naked eye, with the best viewing window around October 13th to 16th.

**What to Expect:**

Comet A3 will appear as a fuzzy blob with a tail pointing away from the sun. This tail, stretching an impressive 27 degrees across the sky, is actually composed of two parts – a bluish plasma tail made of ionized gas and a whitish dust tail.

**A Rare Visitor:**

Comet A3 originates from the Oort Cloud, a distant sphere of icy objects surrounding our solar system. It’s on an orbital path that lasts roughly 80,000 years, making this a rare opportunity to witness its celestial dance.

As the comet approaches the sun, its icy nucleus heats up, releasing gas and dust, creating a coma that forms the tails we observe. With clear skies and a little patience, stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere can enjoy this celestial event. So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness the brilliance of Comet A3.

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