NYC Skies Prepare for Brightest Comet of the Year

cometPhoto byLukáš VaňátkoonUnsplash

The brightest comet in 2024 is Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as Comet C/2023 A3, which was first discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in South Africa on February 22, 2023. It was initially mistaken for an asteroid but later identified as a comet. The closest approach of Comet C/2023 A3 to Earth will occur this Saturday, October 12th, when it will pass just 44 million miles away.

Visibility of the comet to the naked eye is possible, with potential brightening to the second or even first magnitude and the development of a visible tail. In NYC, the comet should be easily visible from the five boroughs as long as it remains intact. For the best viewing experience, choose a dark location after full nightfall and look to the southwest between the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpio, with visibility possible until October 14th between the bright star Arcturus and the planet Venus. Remember, while the comet successfully passed the sun intact on September 27th, there are no guarantees it will be visible due to its origin in the Oort cloud.

The comet will return in 80,000 years, according to NASA. As excitement builds for the upcoming close encounter with Comet C/2023 A3, astronomers and skywatchers alike are eagerly anticipating the potential to witness this celestial phenomenon firsthand. With the possibility of the comet brightening to the second or even first magnitude, there is a chance for a remarkable display in the night sky. As the event approaches, individuals in New York City and beyond are preparing to venture out to dark locations after nightfall, hoping for a clear view of the comet as it passes by.

The fleeting opportunity to observe the comet near its closest approach may offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience for those who are able to catch a glimpse of this visitor from the outer reaches of our solar system. While the exact brightness and visibility of the comet remain uncertain, the chance to witness such a rare event underscores the magical and unpredictable nature of the cosmos, reminding us of the wonders that lie beyond our everyday realities.

Source:

https://secretnyc.co/comet-c-2023-years-brightest-comet/