How to View Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

September 16, 2024

Calling all amateur astronomers! Keep your eyes on Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) as it journeys through our inner Solar System. First discovered on January 9, 2023, by the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and then observed by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey shortly afterward, astronomers believe that C/2023 A3 is a new comet originating from the Oort Cloud—a distant region of icy bodies surrounding the outer edges of our Solar System.

 

When and Where to See Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

As of September 12, the comet shines at magnitude 5.6. It will pass perihelion (its closest point to the Sun) on September 27, 2024, when it could hit a magnitude of 3.4. Consider observing it slightly before or after this date. In the pre-dawn hours before September 27, the comet may become visible to the naked eye as it rises higher in the morning sky. If Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) survives perihelion, the ideal time to see it will be in the weeks following, around mid-October, when it could reach magnitude 1.9 and be visible to the naked eye in the evening sky.

 

How to Observe Comets

  • Check the internet, an astronomy magazine, sky reports, or astronomy apps, like Celestron’s Astronomy apps Powered by SkySafari™ (included with any Celestron telescope purchase), to learn where and when you can see the next bright comet. Don’t forget to share the information with your friends and family!
  • When the time is right, travel to a remote location and let your eyes adapt to the darkness for at least an hour. Fainter objects like comets and their tails will be easier to locate with your eyes fully adjusted. This technique is called dark adaptation.
  • Find a clear view of the horizon at the comet’s predicted position. Avoid areas obstructed by buildings, trees, or hills. An open field or even a rooftop will give you a nice view.
  • Because some comets are faint, fuzzy blobs, observe them using the averted vision technique. Instead of looking directly at the comet, look off to the side about 20 degrees to expose your eye’s most sensitive parts (the rods and cones) to the light coming from the comet. You will have a better chance of “seeing” the comet this way than using direct vision.
  • A binocular like Celestron’s Cometron 7x50 is perfect for scanning the sky with its large light-gathering 50mm objective lenses. Binoculars can help you locate a comet in the sky and provide a wide-angle view of its impressive tail.
  • Telescopes offer even more light-gathering ability and increased power to help magnify a comet’s coma and pull in additional detail. Medium to high magnification will provide excellent views of the coma with favorable conditions.
    On the other hand, a wide-field refractor telescope, like the Popular Science by Celestron StarSense Explorer 100AZ, is an excellent choice if you’d like to view more of the comet at once. This type of telescope paired with lower to medium magnification eyepieces can reveal more of the comet’s tail without needing to move the telescope.

To learn more about comets, click out Ultimate Guide to Observing Comets

 

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Helpful Observing Hints

Tip #1: Use an Astronomy App or Star Chart

Use an Astronomy App or Star Chart
 Using a detailed star map is an excellent way to learn the positions of celestial objects throughout the year. While it may seem old-fashioned, it remains highly effective. For a more modern approach, astronomy apps like Celestron's SkyPortal offer comprehensive and informative tools. This full-featured planetarium app, included with any Celestron telescope purchase, is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. SkyPortal provides new telescope owners with a wealth of information, including audio and written descriptions of various celestial objects, celestial coordinates, a real-time sky map, rise and set times, and physical and orbital parameters.

Tip #2: Seeing Conditions

Seeing Conditions

Steady seeing conditions are crucial for observing objects like planets, the Moon, or double stars. However, poor seeing conditions impact deep sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies less. Avoid nights with turbulent atmospheres, as your targets will appear as shimmering blobs in your telescope's eyepiece. Begin with low magnification and gradually increase it if the views remain steady. You'll be amazed at how sharp and detailed objects can appear on a night of good seeing.

Tip #3: Telescope Cooldown

Telescope Cooldown

 Cool your telescope down! Bring your telescope outside about an hour before you plan to observe to allow it to reach ambient temperature. Achieving thermal equilibrium with the outside air is essential to avoid distorted views. Telescopes with larger mirrors and lenses may take longer to cool down, so plan accordingly for the best viewing experience.

Tip #4: Collimation

Collimation

Collimate, collimate, collimate! If you own a Newtonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, ensure your telescope's optics are collimated. Proper collimation can significantly enhance your ability to discern fine details. Misaligned optics may prevent you from seeing the clearest and sharpest details. Make it a habit to check and adjust collimation as needed once your telescope has cooled down. Most refractor telescopes generally do not require collimation.

Tip #5: Dress in layers

Dress in layers

Warm, balmy nights might feel like shorts and t-shirt weather, but it's wise to keep a light jacket handy in case the temperature drops. Early fall evenings can bring out mosquitoes and other creepy crawlers, so it's good to cover up and apply bug spray to ensure your stargazing session remains pleasant.

 

If you own a Schmidt-Cassegrain or EdgeHD telescope, make sure you use a dew shield to help protect your telescope’s front corrector plate and help prolong the effects of dew. You can browse our Dew Prevention products.

 

 

You can learn about the night skies of the Northern Hemisphere with Celestron Sky Maps! This classic collection of seasonal star charts, with a glow-in-the-dark luminous star finder, has been around for years. It is popular with beginning stargazers and seasoned amateur astronomers because it provides everything you need to find constellations quickly.

 

 

Final Thoughts

As we all know, comets are notoriously difficult to predict. History tells us we should be cautiously optimistic as we near the end of September and early October when the comet will be at its brightest. If anything, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) should be a nice binocular and telescope target with the potential of being visible to the naked eye from a dark observing site despite the moonlight.

  

Enjoy the view and clear skies!

 

Other articles you might be interested in: Ultimate Guide to Observing the Universe

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