TOLEDO, Ohio — After watching the Northern Lights earlier this week and the Solar Eclipse in April, another exciting weather phenomena is possible in the night sky through late October. The C/2023-A3 comet can be seen soaring across the Northern Hemisphere through the end of the month.
The last time the Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS passed the earth was around 80,000 years ago. However, this is a new discovery as of last year. The past few weeks, the comet was flying over the Southern Hemisphere and then orbited the sun. As it passes Earth for a second time, it will be passing about 40 million miles from Earth.
Weather and time will play an important role of viewing the comet. It will only be visible for a few minutes before fading from view. The comet will be low on the western horizon after sunset from mid to late October. It will be near Venus. The best way to measure this is take two fists held at arm's length.
It would be best to have a telescope, binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for the prime viewing experience. The comet could still be seen with the naked eye. However, the tail may not be visible.
For best viewing conditions, just like the Northern Lights, try to get away from light pollution, such as neighborhood lights. Having clear skies would help with viewing the comet.
As we go through the rest of October, the comet will rise higher in the sky, but is expected for fade quicker.
It could be another 80,000 years before this comet passes by Earth again.
After this event, the next celestial events we will see for this year will be three Full Moons and a close bypass with Jupiter. This will all occur before the first day of winter.
For more weather updates, make sure to follow the WTOL 11 Weather Team.
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