Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) visible in the night sky

Great news for aspiring astronomers and planetary defenders!

The spectacular comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is currently visible in our night sky. This extraordinary event provides an incredible opportunity to engage our students in the StAnD – Students As Planetary Defenders – Erasmus+ project!

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Photo by Teresa Direitinho — Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), captured on October 13, 2024, by Teresa Direitinho – NUCLIO, at Guincho beach, Cascais, Portugal.

Comet discovery

C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) is a comet from the Oort Cloud discovered by the Tsuchinshan Chinese Observatory (Purple Mountain Observatory), on 9 January 2023, and independently by Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) South Africa, on 22 February 2023.

From Hawaii, it was already visible in early summer 2023 with its green tail.

Comet C2023-A3 photographed on June 6, 2023 by the Münster AiM team. © Paul Breitenstein, AiM — Comet C2023-A3 photographed on June 6, 2023 by the Münster AiM team with a 0.4-meter telescope located at an altitude of 3000 meters on Haleakala in Hawaii.
© Paul Breitenstein, AiM.

As this comet streaks across the sky, students can learn about its journey, visibility, and the science behind comets. This is a fantastic way to spark curiosity about astronomy and the universe.

Observation Tips:

Check the sky after sunset, as the comet is best viewed in the western horizon.
Use telescopes or binoculars for an enhanced experience.
Discuss what makes this comet unique – it visits our solar system approximately every 80,000 years!

Comet Visibility. Sky & Telescope. — Comet Visibility. Credit: Sky &Telescope.

Let’s inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect our planetary home through hands-on learning and exploration.

Happy stargazing!