Is the comet still visible? Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS It is no longer an object visible to the naked eye, but it is still worth finding if you have binoculars or a small telescope.

Astronomers think this long-period comet, which originates from the Oort Cloud, a sphere around the solar system that is home to millions of comets, orbits the sun every 80,000 years.

Also known as Comet A3 and C/2023 A3, this snowball from deep in the solar system has a central fringe that is 130,000 miles (209,000 kilometers) in diameter. It also has a distinctive tail that stretches 18 million miles (29 million kilometers).

Although magnitude +3.4 makes it technically visible to the naked eye, this comet rapidly fades and shrinks as it returns to the Oort Cloud. Tonight it will be 79 million miles (127 million kilometers) from the Sun and 78 million miles (125 million kilometers) from Earth.

But if you know when and where to look, you can still find it in the constellation Ophiuchus. As a bonus, it can now be seen in a dark sky along with last week’s image. super moon It no longer bleaches the night sky. Here’s how to do it photograph the comet with a camera or smartphone.

Note: Times and viewing instructions are for observers at mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Check exact time sunset where are you and the comet’s setting times Stellarium Network For times that are right for your exact location.

How to Find Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Sunday, October 27

Position: west, 54 degrees from the sun on Ophiuchus

Duration: 60 minutes later sunset where are you until 22:15 local time

Magnitude: +3.4

Comet’s distance from the sun: 79 million miles (127 million kilometers)

Comet’s distance from Earth: 78 million miles (125 million kilometers)

So far, the guiding lights for finding the comet have been the bright planet Venus and the bright red star Arcturus. But as we approach the end of October, both are so close to the horizon an hour after sunset that they are unlikely to be seen. Instead, use the stars of the Summer Triangle to find the comet. It should be easy enough to find Vega in the constellation Brussels above in the west, and above that Deneb in Cygnus.

How to Find a Comet Using the Summer Triangle?

Look to the left of both and you’ll see Altair on Aquila. Make a rough triangle between Altair and Vega pointing towards the horizon; The third point is roughly where the comet will be. To see it, you’ll need binoculars as well as a dark, clear sky.

How to Find a Comet Using Vega?

Draw a straight imaginary line from Vega to the horizon and make a clothes hangar shape on the left; The comet will be the hook on the side. Scan with a pair of binoculars until you find it.

Check my flow this week and every day after for a daily “comet tracker” with sky charts and tips for viewing the comet.

I wish you clear skies and wide eyes.