Comet

2024 - 10 - 15

Get Ready to Gaze: The Once-in-a-Generation Comet is Here!

Astronomy - Celestial Events - Comet C/2023 A3 - Irish Night Sky - Stargazing - Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Don't miss the dazzling display of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS lighting up the night sky every October!

As the chilly October nights draw in, there's something spectacular lighting up the heavens: the majestic Comet C/2023 A3, affectionately known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. This is no ordinary comet—it's a once-in-80,000-year visitor that has arrived in our solar system, ready to put on a twinkling show across the skies! Stargazers across Ireland and beyond have their eyes peeled as this bright celestial wonder dances through the cosmos, leaving everyone in awe of its ethereal beauty.

Eager to catch a glimpse? The comet is currently visible without a telescope, making it the perfect opportunity for casual stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. Look to the evening sky on clear nights throughout October, and you may just spot the comet’s glowing tail streaking across the twilight. While it may not be creating enough buzz for a TikTok dance challenge just yet, the excitement surrounding such a rare phenomenon is definitely worth celebrating!

What’s even more intriguing is that the comet has an anti-tail—yes, you heard that right! This brilliant sight is a rare occurrence and its orientation creates a stunning visual effect against the backdrop of the stars. As if that weren’t enough, local photographers have been capturing jaw-dropping images, showcasing the comet’s brilliance like never before. It’s a celestial masterpiece in progress, and we’re fortunate enough to witness it.

So, if you missed last night’s display, fret not! There are still opportunities to behold Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as it graces our skies. As you gaze upwards, remember that you are sharing this moment with millions of others worldwide, all equally enchanted by nature's cosmic show. And for those keeping score, this is just one of the many dazzling wonders hiding in the universe, reminding us of the magic that lies in the great beyond.

Interesting fact: Did you know that comets are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" because they are made of ice, dust, and rocky material? Their colorful tails are a result of sublimation—when ice turns directly into gas as they approach the sun! Also, if you think this comet is impressive, wait until you hear about Hale-Bopp, which became visible to the naked eye for 18 months back in 1997. Now that's what we call a comet party!

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Image courtesy of "Nenagh Guardian"

A bright comet for October beckons | Nenagh Guardian (Nenagh Guardian)

Designated C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), the first-time visitor to the inner solar system put on a great show recently in the morning sky for more southerly ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Colorado photographers capture dramatic images of once-in-80000 ... (CBS News)

A comet discovered last year as it approached our solar system is now in full view in Colorado's night sky.

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Comet Tracker Tonight: When And Where On Monday To See It At ... (Forbes)

How, when, and where to look to see Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) after sunset this Monday, Oct. 14, with sky charts, before it gradually fades from ...

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Image courtesy of "WCCO"

Photo shows once-in-a-lifetime comet streaking across Minnesota sky (WCCO)

This photo, taken in Otsego by D. Dexbana, shows C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS streaking across the night sky. According to NASA, the comet has an 80,000 year ...

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Image courtesy of "Austin American-Statesman"

Did you miss the rare comet last night? Here's how to see it again in ... (Austin American-Statesman)

A rare comet, visible once every 80000 years, graced the Texas sky last night. How's how to see it again this week and how it got its name.

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Image courtesy of "EarthSky"

Comet A3 has an anti-tail! Can you see it? (EarthSky)

C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) is currently visible in the evening sky, and it has a rare anti-tail pointing towards the sun. An anti-tail is sometimes called an ...

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Image courtesy of "CBC.ca"

Missed the northern lights display? A comet has arrived to save your ... (CBC.ca)

A comet in a field. Shirley Blyth describes the comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS as a bright object with an even brighter tail. (Submitted by Shirley Blyth). Social ...

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Image courtesy of "nbc16.com"

Rare comet visible without telescope through October (nbc16.com)

Stargazers are in for a treat as a rare, bright comet makes its way across the night sky.The comet, known as "Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas," has traveled from ...

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Comet Tracker For Tuesday: Tonight Is Your Last Best Chance To ... (Forbes)

How, when, and where to look to see Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) after sunset this Tuesday, Oct. 15, with sky charts, before it gradually fades from ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Astronomer gives useful hint about how to see the 'comet of the ... (The Independent)

The comet has not been seen since neanderthal times, and its spectacular colour and large appearance in the sky means that those viewing it today are likely to ...

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Image courtesy of "KTVF"

UAF physicists to break out telescopes for community comet viewing ... (KTVF)

FAIRBANKS, Alaska ( ...

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Image courtesy of "European Space Agency"

Comet C/2023 A3 brightens SOHO's week (European Space Agency)

From 7 until 13 October 2024, ESA/NASA's SOHO spacecraft recorded Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS), the second brightest comet it has ever seen.

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

October's Spectacular 'Halloween Comet' May Be Doomed ... (Forbes)

While comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible this week, astronomers are reporting a possible fragmentation of comet C/2024 S1 (Atlas) as it travels towards the ...

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Northern Lights And Comet Tonight: These States May See Soft ... (Forbes)

A G1 geomagnetic storm is being predicted for Tuesday, Oct. 15, which could mean northern lights and comet imaging is possible in some northern U.S. states.

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Image courtesy of "CBS Boston"

Rare comet and supermoon should be visible in Massachusetts this ... (CBS Boston)

Comet Atlas and the Hunter's Supermoon should be visible this week in Massachusetts. Here's how to see them.

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Image courtesy of "Galway Beo"

Galway skies seeing 'comet of century' happening 'once every ... (Galway Beo)

Comet A3 last visited earth 80,000 years ago. Neanderthals and early humans co-existed at that time and would have seen the comet on that last flyby. SIMILAR ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Comet A3: Where to see it in last chance for 80000 years (BBC News)

Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) has been visible in recent nights. It was at its brightest on Monday night for sky-gazers across the United Kingdom. While the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–Atlas) sightings around the world ... (The Guardian)

Named after the Chinese observatory and South African programme that detected it in 2023, the 'comet of the century' is not expected to return for another ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS Sacramento"

Northern Californians can see this rare comet that won't return for ... (CBS Sacramento)

Last week, the Northern Lights had people across Northern California looking up at the night sky. Now, there's another rare celestial event on the horizon.

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Image courtesy of "The Kerryman"

Photo shows 'Tsuchinshan–ATLAS' comet streaking over Kerry (The Kerryman)

A comet that was last visible from Earth way back when the Neanderthals were alive was visible to the naked eye on Monday night with The Kerryman ...

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Image courtesy of "thejournal.ie"

Public urged to look to the horizon for chance to view comet last ... (thejournal.ie)

Speaking to The Journal, astronomer and editor of magazine Astronomy Ireland David Moore said that as long as we have a clear sky, the comet will be visible.

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