A rare comet that has not been visible since the time of Neanderthals roaming the Earth is expected to be visible in the UK skies this weekend, according to scientists. The comet, known as Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), has been dubbed the “comet of the century” due to its brightness and visibility, as noted by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).
This comet was only discovered in January 2023 and was last visible from Earth approximately 80,000 years ago. While stargazers in the southern hemisphere have already had the chance to catch a glimpse of Comet A3, those in the northern hemisphere will now have the opportunity to see it as well. The best time to view the comet will be between 12 and 30 October, with its closest pass to Earth expected on Saturday at a distance of around 44 million miles.
To spot the comet, individuals are advised to look towards the west just after sunset, which in London will be around 6:13 pm. The comet’s tail, estimated to be 18 million miles long, will be a prominent feature in the night sky. Dr. Robert Massey, the deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society, mentioned in a video on the society’s website that capturing photos of the comet may be possible, especially when using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera.
The origin of Comet A3 is the Oort Cloud, a vast spherical shell surrounding our solar system that contains numerous objects, including comets, according to RAS. This rare sighting of the comet presents a unique opportunity for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness a celestial event that occurs once in a lifetime.
In addition to its astronomical significance, the appearance of Comet A3 provides a chance for researchers and scientists to observe and study this rare celestial visitor. By analyzing the comet’s composition, trajectory, and behavior, valuable insights can be gained into the formation and evolution of objects within our solar system.
Overall, the visibility of Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the UK skies this weekend presents a captivating and educational opportunity for individuals of all ages to marvel at the wonders of the universe and expand their knowledge of astronomy. So, don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary event and gaze upon a comet that has not been seen from Earth in tens of thousands of years.