Timelapse: Comet A3 seen over our region’s night sky

In one of the cooler videos and timelapses you will see today, our station camera that sits atop Mt. Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) was able to capture a timelapse of Comet A3 as it zoomed past our lens. Not only did the timelapse capture the comet, but it also saw many beautiful scenes leading up to the event including a stellar sunset and even a hot air balloon.

Comet A3 will continue to make it’s rounds across our night skies through the end of the month, but it will get harder and harder to see each evening. As the comet zooms from our galaxy to the next, the distance will be noticed by how faint the tail of the comet will be by the end of the month. It was faint last night when we caught it on-camera, but by Halloween you won’t even be able to see it.

If you’re interested in trying to get a faint look at Comet A3 for yourself, the forecast will cooperate nicely through the weekend with clear skies and dry weather. In order to see it, you need to look low on the western horizon about 15 minutes after sunset. If you don’t see it right away, give it about 45 minutes. The time will vary depending on location. As far as photo opportunities, a telescope or telescopic lens will be best. This comet won’t come around again for another 80,000 years.

Our network of cameras are such a valuable tool for reporting weather and news. You can always check them out along with timelapse features for each by simply visiting our SkyTracker Weather tab at the top of the home page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.