For stargazers and celestial enthusiasts, October is shaping up to be one heck of a month. The outer space showpieces align to deliver what could be the last chance to glimpse Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, scientifically designated as C/2023 A3. This comet, bright enough to light up the night skies, made its closest approach to Earth just last weekend, sitting at about 44 million miles away. Excitement is buzzing, as skies clear up and temperatures cool down, providing optimal conditions for viewing.
This icy comet is no ordinary visitor; it takes about 80,000 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. If Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas survives its voyage this time, it won't grace our skies again for tens of millennia. Fortunately, it’s not too late to catch this celestial visitor. The timing couldn't be more perfect either — it competes less with the moon’s glow now, giving viewers of both the northern and southern hemispheres good reason to look up!
Want to make sure you don’t miss it? Experts suggest keeping eyes peeled about an hour after sunset, directing your gaze westward. Stargazers across the globe can expect to see the comet until October 26, according to reports from Space.com. So arm yourself with some binoculars — who knows, you might just witness something spectacular.
“Comets are like cats: they have tails, and they do precisely what they want,” quips well-known writer David H. Levy. Spotting Tsuchinshan-Atlas might just require more than luck this time around, but night owls can stay optimistic as this spectacle retains its charm even through the waning moonlight.
Weatherwise, New Yorkers are set for some lovely starry nights. With the weekend approaching, the forecast predicts clear skies perfect for comet watching, though it’s worth noting the moon could pose challenges for some. Temperatures are expected to dip but stay comfortable — 66 degrees on Friday, and riding up to 74 by Sunday. With such conditions, this weekend might give urban dwellers their best urban astronomy night yet.
Now, what brought this comet to our attention? Discovered last year, Tsuchinshan-Atlas hails its name from the observatories based both in South Africa and China. Like many celestial objects, it originated from the distant Oort Cloud — a mysterious region well beyond Pluto filled with icy bodies. After this close encounter, it’s likely to disappear back to the dark corners of our solar system for centuries. Astronomers have their fingers crossed on its survival; the chances remain slim.
“Most comets have these incredibly long periods and may never come back,” notes Drexel University Physics Professor Christina Love, raising concerns about the comet’s return possibility. Halley's Comet, for example, is well known for its predictability and shows up every 75 years or so. But Tsuchinshan-Atlas is much trickier, evoking mystery and awe — particularly since its return is estimated around the year 80,000.
The presence of the Orionid meteor shower adds another layer of excitement to the weekend sky show. Known for being one of two annual meteor showers derived from Halley's Comet, the Orionids typically dazzle viewers around this time of year, offering sporadic bursts of shooting stars. This time, the shower is expected to peak early Monday and will be visible until November 22. Under optimal conditions, stargazers can witness anywhere from 20 to 60 meteors flashing across the night sky every hour, depending on how favorable the skies are.
While meteor showers can be unpredictable — some years bringing only sparse sightings, and others hosting vibrant displays — 2023 is set to surprise. The wonderful thing is, if it is cloudy and spotting the comet proves difficult, the Orionids may still deliver glimpses of brilliance from shooting stars, creating the perfect blend of cosmic events.
The combination of Tsuchinshan-Atlas's fleeting appearance and the Orionid meteor shower creates the perfect setup for enthusiasts and casual sky watchers alike. So pack those blankets, take along your favorite beverages, and perhaps your camera, because regardless of what you end up spotting, the universe always has some form of magic to share. This October offers everyone, whether seasoned astronomers or just curious observers, a chance to step outside and connect with the ever-changing night sky.
