What is a comet – C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) ?

During a sky sweep conducted by ATLAS, the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, utilizing the 0.5-m f/2 Schmidt reflector telescope operated at the Sutherland Observatory in South Africa, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) was observed in February 2023.

After calculating its orbit, it was discovered that the Purple Mountain Observatory in China had previously observed it on January 9, 2023, with a magnitude of 18.7.

After more observations, it was determined that A10SVYR had a short tail, leading to its classification as a comet. By established naming practices, the comet was named C/2023 -(Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). A3, which honours both of its discoverers.

Image credit: starwalk.space/

Comets are erratic. Furthermore, it is now impossible to predict with certainty how brilliant Comet A3 will get. However, preliminary projections indicate that it may reach magnitude 4 to 3 (the lower the number, the brighter) on September 27, which is around the time of its perihelion, or closest approach to the sun.

Maybe the best part is yet to come. The brightness might increase to magnitude 2.5 to 2 on October 12, when it makes its closest approach to Earth. Or perhaps even somewhat brighter in the event of good fortune (or fainter in the event of bad fortune), given how unpredictable comet behaviour can be.

It appears that Comet A3 will not be the Comet of the Century. However, if it keeps up its good performance, it might be the year’s brightest comet.
Efrain Morales captured this image of Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS from Puerto Rico on July 8, 2024. Image via Efrain Morales/ Eddie Irizarry.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will be too near to the Sun in the sky to be seen in late August and early September. Nonetheless, the comet will travel far enough from the Sun to be seen in the last few days of September. At that time, it might achieve a brightness of -1 and be best observed at an angular distance of 23° from the Sun in the Southern Hemisphere’s morning sky.

The early part of September offers the finest views of the comet for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. Mid-September through the end of the month will be the first opportunity for observers who live closer to Earth’s equator. Additionally, beginning around September 18 to 20, those in the lower United States may be able to see Comet A3 at the first light of morning. By the end of the month, it should become somewhat simpler to find.

Image credit: starwalk.space/

C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) trajectory across the Solar System when it approaches Earth in 2024

September

Comet C/2023 A3 is scheduled to enter Venus’ orbit in September. The comet will reach its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion, on September 27 at a distance of 0.39 astronomical units. The effect of the high temperature during this time might cause the comet to shatter.

October

Should C/2023 A3 make it through perihelion, October 12 would be its closest approach to Earth, measuring 0.48 astronomical units from our planet. When it reaches its peak brightness, the unaided eye will be able to see it.

Around October 12, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will approach at its closest distance to Earth (0.48 AU), when it will be at its brightest. Although it’s difficult to forecast with precision, most people assume the comet will be bright enough to be seen with the unaided eye.

Owing to forward scattering, C/2023 A3 may brighten up to -3.0 magnitude on October 9–12! In contrast, the peak brightness of comet Hale-Bopp, one of the comets that was observed the most throughout the 20th century, was -1.8. At the start of 2023, the so-called green comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was trending and achieved a maximum magnitude of 5.4. At 0.9, the well-known NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) peaked.

To observe comet from Pune city, Aeronautics & Space Exploration company arranging casual Comet gazing – Astroparty in mid of October 2024, If you don’t want to miss this once in life opportunity then join our Comet gazing Astroparty.