SAN ANTONIO – Get ready, astronomy enthusiasts!

The magnificent Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will grace the San Antonio skyline starting this Friday, October 11, and will be visible nightly until October 18, bringing stunning sights for stargazers at dusk.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

Timing: The comet will be visible approximately 40 minutes after sunset, around 7:40 PM to 8:00 PM.

Directions: Look toward the western horizon—this is where the celestial magic will unfold.

Tips for Viewing: Locate Venus, which appears as a bright ‘star’ in the sky; the comet will be found slightly to the right of it.

Enhance Your Experience: Binoculars will greatly improve your chances of spotting the comet clearly.

The first glimpse of the comet

The first glimpse of the comet will occur Friday evening, but keep in mind it will be low on the horizon, making initial sighting potentially tricky. However, each subsequent night promises a better view as it climbs higher in the sky!

To get the best chance of seeing this icy wanderer

To get the best chance of seeing this icy wanderer, find a place with minimal light pollution—away from the bustling city. Extend your left arm in front of you with a closed fist to gauge the distance: the comet should be positioned about two and a half fists to the right of Venus.

As you gaze into the cosmos

As you gaze into the cosmos, remember—this is not just any comet. Discovered by two independent teams at China’s Purple Mountain Observatory and in South Africa’s ATLAS, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is described as a "dirty snowball" barreling through space.

With its closest approach to Earth at about 44 million miles, it's being heated by the Sun, which evaporates its icy core, forming a stunning haze of dust and gas—a spectacular sight especially when viewed during the twilight hours.

Don’t Miss This Rare Opportunity!

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a curious onlooker, make plans to witness this celestial event that could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Grab your binoculars, set your alarms, and prepare to be awestruck as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS lights up the San Antonio sky!