Comet A3 Tracker for next week – Where and when to see it

What time will comet A3 be seen this week? Also known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3), it’s now shining brightly for those in the Northern Hemisphere – but there’s a catch.

It is bright and visible in the east before sunrise, which means that it is necessary to rise early in the morning before the light of dawn covers it, and at sunrise. In late-Oct. it will shine in the west at sunset.

Will you see a comet this week? With good planning, clear weather and careful observation, comet A3 and its bright tail can make for a spectacular sight – especially because the moon is now waning, running darkness in the sky before dawn.

Why and when Comet A3 is visible

Comet A3 passes between the Earth and the Sun. On September 27, comet A3 reached it perihelion – the closest it comes to the Sun – at about 36 million kilometers (59 miles). Comet A3 will approach Earth on Oct. 12, when it will pass about 44 million kilometers (71 miles) from Earth.

Those two days are prime time to look at the comet — and now we’re halfway through that first viewing window.

Here are some astronomical charts to help you find comet A3 this week. Note that it gets closer to the sun as each morning passes, so it will appear a little lower in the sky. At the beginning of this week you try to see it, it will be easier.

Where to see Comet A3: Monday, September 30

Position: east-southeast, 21.6 degrees from the Sun in Leo

Time: one hour before sunrise where you are (about 07:00 in the US)

Expected score: +4.5

Comet’s distance from the Sun: 59.6 million kilometers

Comet’s distance from Earth: 118.5 km

This morning, comet A3 will be visible near the east-southeast one hour before sunrise. It will shine on the right side of the 5% waning moon. Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, will shine above the pair.

It should be seen in the east-southeast about 75 minutes before sunset, and will be best seen in the darkness of the sky, which will last about 60 minutes before sunset. the sun rises. Timing will be everything!

Where to see Comet A3: Tuesday, Oct. 1

Position: east-southeast, 21 degrees from the Sun in Leo

Time: one hour before sunrise where you are (about 07:00 in the US)

Expected score: +4.5

Comet’s distance from the Sun: 60.5 million kilometers

Comet’s distance from Earth: 112.3 km

This is an opportunity for something truly spectacular – a naked-eye comet on the side of the Moon that’s about as gentle as it gets.

Look east one hour before sunrise to see the comet on the right and the 1.5% bright moon on the left. Look about 75 minutes before sunset, when both will be visible in the darkness of the sky, which will last about 60 minutes before sunrise.

Where to see Comet A3: Wednesday, Oct. 2:

Position: east-southeast, 19.5 degrees from the Sun in Leo

Time: one hour before sunrise where you are (about 07:00 in the US)

Expected score: +4.5

Comet’s distance from the Sun: 61.6 million kilometers

Comet’s distance from Earth: 106.2 km

This morning, comet A3 will be seen a little closer to the east-southeast an hour earlier than before, and now without a visible moon.

Also, the comet will be seen just above the east-southeast about 75 minutes before sunrise, and will be best seen in the dark sky, which will last for some time. about 60 minutes before sunrise.

Where to see Comet A3: Thursday, Oct. 3:

Position: east-southeast, 18.2 degrees from the Sun in Leo

Time: one hour before sunrise where you are (about 07:00 in the US)

Expected score: +4.5

Comet’s distance from the Sun: 62.9 million km

Comet’s distance from Earth: 100.4 million km

This is your last chance to see comet A3 during this early viewing window. It will be seen even closer to the east-southeast, and will be clearly visible about 75 minutes before the sun pours into the dark sky, which will last about sixty before sunrise.

When to see Comet A3 in October 2024

Around October 4, comet A3 will enter the Sun’s light, and will be difficult to see for a few days, before it is completely swallowed up by our star’s light. Here is the sky chart for Oct. 4-6, but note that comet A3 will not be visible in daylight:

When you will see Comet A3 in mid-October

Comet A3 will appear again in the eclipse around Oct. 12 for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Look to the west just after sunset to see it at its brightest and best, although in the evening after Oct. After 12, it will rise up in the sky.

Check out my list every day this week and next for a daily “comet tracker” with astronomical charts and tips for viewing Comet A3.

Wishing you white skies and wide eyes.