Bright comet 2023 A3 is poised to light up the fall sky

Astronomy fans, get your telescopes and cameras ready – an unusually bright comet could be gracing the night sky.

It should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere as of now, although it will be very low on the horizon before dawn.

But the best views are expected in mid-October, when they may become visible to the naked eye.

Shortly after it was first spotted, there was speculation that it could be one of the brightest comets in years. That excitement is starting to fade, but it should still be something to watch.

The comet was first observed in January 2023, by the Zouchenshan Observatory in China, and was later independently detected by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).

This helps explain its full name, C/2023 A3 (Tuchinshan-ATLAS). People call it Comet A3 for short.

Since then, astronomers have been tracking its progress, monitoring its brightness and approaching peak visibility.

Unlike asteroids, which are composed entirely of rock, comets are composed of ice, rock, and gas.

As it approaches the sun, the warmth causes the ice to turn into gases and release dust particles trapped in the ice, which causes its beautiful tail.

This latest comet has been seen in the Southern Hemisphere, and is now appearing in the Northern Hemisphere as well.

But it is very difficult to guess how bright each comet will be.

“Bright comets are very rare, so if you have the opportunity to see one, take a look, even if you have to use a pair of binoculars to pick out the comets,” says Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society. “The tail and features are very beautiful.”

Dr. Massey remains skeptical about some of the predictions for this particular comet.

“Will it be the brightest comet in 100 years? I really doubt it,” he says.

Dr. Massey recommends searching for the comet over two periods.

Over the next week or so, it should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere low in the eastern sky before dawn, though you may need binoculars or a telescope.

There will be a better chance from around October 12, this time after sunset in the western sky.

With some luck, you may be able to see the comet with the naked eye.

“You can come out and say, 'Wow, there's a comet!' “Without even needing an endoscope,” says Dr. Massey.

He adds: “Comets cannot be predicted, but we do not know when the next comet will appear, so do not miss this opportunity.”

With clear skies and suitable conditions, this comet could provide one of the most attractive astronomical events of the year.

Although the comet may become as bright as Comet NEOWISE, which was a striking sight during the 2020 pandemic, scientists say it is unlikely to exceed this brightness.