Meteors, lunar eclipses, solar eclipses – whatever the celestial phenomenon, we love to see. But it's frankly hit or miss in this part of the world. Just take the solar eclipses that happened on October 2 and earlier in April 8, which were not visible in Asia at all.
But we're in a bit of luck this October, when a rare, 'once-in-80,000-years' comet is set to streak through the skies. It will be visible worldwide – Asia included. Called Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), it will remain visible to the naked eye for a few days too, giving us all plenty of opportunity to admire it. Here's how and when to catch the dazzling event.
What is a comet?
Comets are giant balls of ice, rocks, and dust that are ancient by-products of the formation of the solar system 4.6 million years ago. Comets take hundreds of thousands of years to complete their elliptical orbits around the sun, and when visible from earth, appear as 'fuzzy' stars with streaming tails – one formed by gases and the other by dust.
What makes Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) special?
Comet A3 has not been seen from earth in 80,000 years. To put things in perspective, that was when Neanderthals still roamed the earth. You won't see it again in your lifetime, which is a highly compelling reason to catch it when you have the chance this month.
Even rarer, Comet A3 will be visible to the naked eye. As it makes its closest approach to earth around October 12, it's expected to appear particularly dazzling too.
Who discovered Comet A3?
The answer is in the name. Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) was discovered by the Purple Mountain (Tsuchinshan) Observatory in China in January 2023 and by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in February 2023. To honour both discoverers, the comet was named Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.
Will Comet A3 be visible in Asia?
The short answer: yes. According to Singapore's Science Centre Observatory (SCOB), Comet A3 is likely to be visible anywhere in the world, including all countries in Asia.
Already, stargazers in Singapore have spotted the comet in local skies. While it's still only visible with binoculars, the comet is expected to become brighter as it approaches earth over the next week days.
When will Comet A3 visible in my country?
It really depends. SCOB says that the comet's visibility is dependent on factors like weather, the skies, and the comet itself (which is in danger of melting away due to its proximity to the sun, yikes).
Assuming that all conditions are perfect however, your best window is between October 14 and October 20, just after the comet's closest approach to earth on October 11 when it's out of the glare of the sun.
Some countries in Asia have released more specific information. In Singapore for example, stargazers are gearing up for sightings between October 15 to 19. In Thailand, The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has advised watchers to keep their eyes peeled between now and October 6. Take SCOB's advice – check a stargazing app to get the most accurate viewing window for your country.
How do I view Comet A3?
Wherever in Asia you are, find a wide open space with minimal obstructions like buildings or trees. Lock your eyes on the western horizon just after sunset. The comet should be visible with your naked eyes, but all the better if you have binoculars or even a telescope to catch this once-in-a-lifetime comet!
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