Rare Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Visible Tonight for First Time in 80,000 Years
The comet, originating from the distant Oort Cloud, is best viewed post-sunset in the western sky.
- Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as C/2023 A3, is visible in the night sky and won't return for another 80,000 years.
- The comet reached its closest point to Earth on October 12, 2024, at a distance of approximately 44 million miles.
- Best viewing conditions are 45 minutes after sunset in the western sky, with the comet positioned 30 degrees from the sun.
- Despite the bright gibbous moon, the comet remains visible, aided by its position near the bright star Arcturus and planet Venus.
- Discovered in 2023, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a long-period comet from the Oort Cloud, a theoretical region of icy bodies surrounding the solar system.
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