Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Astronomy enthusiasts might witness a spectacular sight this fall as Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) approaches Earth, potentially becoming a bright naked-eye comet.
Source : Wikimedia Commons
Earlier comets like C/2022 E3 (ZTF) and Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks gained attention but were difficult to observe without ideal conditions. This time, Tsuchinshan–ATLAS could offer a more impressive display.
Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in February 2023, Tsuchinshan–ATLAS was initially mistaken for an asteroid before being identified as a comet.
On October 12, 2024, the comet will pass just 44 million miles (71 million km) from Earth, potentially reaching a brightness of first or second magnitude and developing a notable tail.
Tsuchinshan–ATLAS originates from the Oort cloud, a distant region of icy debris. Comets from this area often show bright surges initially but can underperform as they approach the sun.
Source : Wikimedia Commons
The comet's visibility will be difficult to confirm until late July 2024, when it reaches a critical point in its orbit. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere will be key in tracking its progress.
Around October 8, 2024, the comet might benefit from "forward scattering" of sunlight, which could significantly enhance its brightness if the comet is particularly dusty.
Similar forward scattering effects have made previous comets like Skjellerup–Maristany in 1927 and McNaught in 2007 extraordinarily bright, raising hopes for Tsuchinshan–ATLAS.
Source : Wikimedia Commons
Despite the potential, there are no guarantees. Comets have historically been unpredictable, sometimes failing to meet expectations or unexpectedly dazzling observers, as seen with Comet NEOWISE in 2020.