Overview

• Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will reach its closest point to the sun on September 27, 2024, making it visible to the naked eye.
• Southern Hemisphere observers can view the comet best before sunrise around its perihelion, while Northern Hemisphere viewers will have optimal visibility post-sunset in early October.
• The comet will be closest to Earth on October 12, 2024, at a safe distance of about 44 million miles.
• Astronaut Matthew Dominick captured a stunning time-lapse video of the comet from the International Space Station, showcasing its increasing brightness.
• Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, originating from the Oort Cloud, has a long-period orbit of approximately 80,000 years, making this a rare viewing opportunity.