Newly Discovered Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Set to Brighten Night Skies in October
A recently discovered comet named Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is making its way towards Earth and is expected to be visible to the naked eye by October. Currently only visible through telescopes as it travels between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, the comet is rapidly brightening and developing a tail. Scientists believe that by the time it reaches its closest approach to the sun on October 10, it may shine as brightly as Venus in the night sky. This long-period comet with an 80,000-year orbit is composed of gas, rock, and ice, similar to the famed «Devil Comet» — 12P/Pons–Brooks. While it may be challenging to spot from the Northern Hemisphere due to its low position on the horizon, the best opportunity to view it will be on October 10 when it will be visible in the southwest sky just after sunset. The comet, originating from the Oort Cloud, was initially discovered by astronomers in February at South Africa’s ATLAS telescope and China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: A Potential Celestial Phenomenon Approaching Earth
The newly identified comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is creating a buzz among astronomers as it heads towards Earth, set to pass by in October. With its increasing brightness and the development of a visible tail, this long-period comet is expected to captivate skywatchers as it potentially shines as brightly as Venus in the night sky. While it may be a challenge for those in the Northern Hemisphere to observe due to its low position on the horizon, the comet’s closest approach to the sun on October 10 will provide the best opportunity for viewing. Originating from the Oort Cloud, a region of comets surrounding the solar system, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was initially spotted by astronomers at South Africa’s ATLAS telescope and China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory in February.
Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comet: A Rare Celestial Event to Illuminate Night Skies
As the newly discovered comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS continues its journey towards Earth, anticipation is building among astronomers and skywatchers alike. The comet, currently visible only through telescopes as it travels between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, is rapidly brightening and developing a distinctive tail. With projections suggesting that it may glow as brightly as Venus in the night sky by October, this long-period comet with an 80,000-year orbit is poised to be a rare celestial event. While observing the comet from the Northern Hemisphere may pose challenges due to its low position on the horizon, the closest approach to the sun on October 10 will offer a prime viewing opportunity. Discovered by astronomers at South Africa’s ATLAS telescope and China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory in February, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS originates from the Oort Cloud, adding to its allure as a unique cosmic phenomenon.
