here’s when and where to watch

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It is called Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, C/2023 A3. But astronomers also speak of it as the “comet of the century”. An exaggerated name for this stellar object which will be visible to the naked eye from this Saturday, October 12, 2024? Maybe.

What is not, however, is that it will “most certainly be the comet of the decade”, assuresactu.frNicolas Biver, astrophysicist at the Paris observatory, also president of the Comet Commission of the French Astronomical Society (SAF).

In fact, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a comet as one might imagine. Ultra shiny, and above all, with a tail that follows it.

A very bright comet

Traveling at nearly 240,000 km/h from the edge of space, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be visible for a little over a week, starting this Saturday.

As these lines are written, it is approaching Earth and will reach the closest point this Sunday, October 13, 2024, some 70 million km away. Before moving away again, little by little.

Its magnitude is currently very strong: around -3, which makes it a stellar object with a very bright glow. To compare, Jupiter is around -2.5 and Venus, the brightest point in our sky (excluding the sun and moon), is around -4.

Unfortunately, this apparent brightness should decrease as it moves away from us and the Sun. Sunday, best day to see herit should be around 0. More or less like Aldebaran, which we often talk about when we want to evoke the brightness of a star. “It’s very correct. This is more than enough to see clearly,” comments Nicolas Biver.

When to see it?

Seeing it is precisely the objective of thousands of astronomers in the northern hemisphere who have not yet had the chance, unlike those in the southern hemisphere.

So, how do we put all the chances on our side? And when exactly?

First of all, you should know that it will not be visible for very long. A big week, and only a few minutes a day. As the week progresses, this time frame will increase, but the brightness will also decrease. Nicolas Biver is counting on around twenty additional minutes each day.

Since Tsuchinshan-ATLAS only remains in the field of vision for a short time, you will have to be there at the right time. In other words, in very early evening, around 7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m..

From this Friday October 11, 2024, there is a chance of seeing it. And then, as the days progress, it will become more and more visible in the night sky.

The best timing, it’s this Sunday October 13, 2024. It is towards the western horizon that it will appear. Top left of the setting sun. But whatever happens, with its long tail, you will hardly be able to miss it.

And next week?

Moreover, the more time goes by, the longer and more imposing the queue will be. Also, it may be interesting to attempt an observation next weekend, the 19th and 20th. “But there, it will absolutely be necessary to get out of the cities and avoid any light pollution,” warns the president of the SAF Comet Commission.

Obviously, as much as possible, and even this weekend, you need to find a clear location. “In the city, even if at the beginning, its brightness will allow it to be seen,” specifies the specialist, there must still be nothing to block the view. Buildings, like clouds.

The Paris observatory is organizing “the day of the night”, this Saturday, October 12, 2024. Throughout France, observation sessions are organized. More information at this address.

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