Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comet

[olbriar]

Scientists predict the comet will reach peak brightness around October 12 when it will pass closest to Earth. PARK CITY, UT — Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is expected to reappear in the skies in the coming weeks, stirring excitement among comet watchers.4 days ago

A comet coming in 2024 could outshine the stars - if we're lucky

 

[The_Chief]

That implies that the comet will magically "appear" in the sky that night and only that night... like a meteor shower or something. Comets aren't like that: they're WAY out there and should be visible for at least several days...

 

[olbriar]

I think they are implying that it might be visible to the naked eye the 12th. Being as it has an orbital cycle of around 80,000 years, they haven't a lot to go on Hope for the best and expect less is a good approach for new-to-us comet spectating.

 

[Steven58]

Rain Rain Go Away, Etc.

 

[The_Chief]

I'd rather see rain than a comet! We're in a serious drought here, so this tropical storm is expected to bring us a bunch of beneficial precipitation later this week!

 

[Steven58]

I'd rather see rain than a comet! We're in a serious drought here, so this tropical storm is expected to bring us a bunch of beneficial precipitation later this week!

Sorry brother

 

[olbriar]

Just a reminder that the 12th of October might provide a chance to see a comet tail.

 

[Clementine_3]

My son and his gf just sent a nice picture, they were able to see it in FL. Pretty neat.

 

[olbriar]

It's been cloudy here so no viewing window. Hopefully I will have some clear sky before it's gone.

 

[Clementine_3]

Yeah, it's raining here so a no go for me.

 

[The_Chief]

Right now that thing is so close to the Sun that I can't get a fix on it without the risk of burning out my optics. Maybe I'll have a brief chance tomorrow night (meetings tonight): all I can do is hope for a nice shot.

 

[Clementine_3]

Clear skies after 2 days of rain but I didn't find the comet. I'll have to go somewhere, too much light and too many tall trees trees for low-sky viewing in my 'hood. I'm running out of night's though...

 

[olbriar]

After dinner, I went riding. Half way between my town and the town South, two dudes were set up to attempt some pictures. There were high clouds and I think their chances were slim for a window. I stopped and wished them good luck all the same. I rode until near dark. The West sky was rose colored. I think they got in a good practice run.