Two Comets to Illuminate Fall Skies, Offering Rare Celestial Show

Astronomers anticipate optimal viewing opportunities for Comet C/2023 A3 and newly discovered Comet C/2024 S1.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will be closest to Earth on October 12, 2024, and is expected to be visible in the evening skies thereafter.
The comet, originating from the Oort Cloud, has a magnitude of 1.5 and could be seen with the naked eye if conditions are favorable.
A second comet, C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), discovered last week, may become as bright as Venus by late October or early November.
Both comets' visibility is subject to their unpredictable behavior as they approach the sun, which may cause them to brighten or disintegrate.
Observers in the northern hemisphere should look to the west after sunset from October 12 to 24 for the best chance to see Comet A3.