Science

A Comet For Christmas: Witness the Dazzling Final Appearance of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Online

2024-12-23

Author: Chun

Get ready to be mesmerized one last time by the brightest comet we've seen in over ten years! Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is bidding farewell to Earth as it dims in the night sky, but you can still catch its breathtaking finale via a live broadcast on YouTube.

What Is Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?

This long-period comet, often described as a "dirty snowball," is composed of ice, dust, and rocky materials, making its way around the sun in a spectacular orbit. Discovered in January 2023 by astronomers from China's Tsuchinshan Observatory and South Africa's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has captured the attention of skywatchers worldwide.

Where Is Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Now?

As December settles in, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is in its final visible phase, currently residing in the constellation Aquila. It is approximately 237 million miles (381 million kilometers) away from Earth, glowing at a magnitude of about +9, which makes it too faint to be seen without a telescope.

How and When To See Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Don't miss your chance! The Virtual Telescope Project will be streaming a live view of the comet as it fades from our view. Tune in on December 23 at 17:00 UTC (midday EST) to catch the majestic sight one last time before it goes into obscurity.

According to Gianluca Masi of The Virtual Telescope Project, “After its spectacular display last October, C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has left unforgettable memories for all who cherish the wonders of the night sky. Though it is now primarily a telescopic object, we wanted to provide a chance to observe this comet perfectly timed with the holiday season!”

What Lies Ahead for Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?

Hailing from the enigmatic Oort Cloud—a vast region filled with icy celestial bodies—Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS makes its grand trip around the sun every 80,000 years. It reached its closest point to the sun, known as perihelion, in September. After this fleeting visit, it will journey back to the Oort Cloud, with its next return to the inner solar system anticipated in roughly 40,000 years.

Why Was Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS So Special?

While numerous comets orbit the inner solar system, only a select few become visible to the naked eye. The brilliance of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS can be attributed to its orbital path—it passed directly between the Earth and the sun in late September and October. Light was diffracted around its dust and gas tail, enhancing its visibility, resembling how thin clouds seem to glow when backlit by sunlight.

As we prepare to say goodbye to this celestial beauty, let's celebrate the wonders of the cosmos together and remember the enchanting moments it brought into our lives. Wishing you crystal-clear skies and awe-inspiring views!