Planet Earth now has not one, but two moons in orbit, and to top it off, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS a.k.a. the “comet of the century” is illuminating California’s skies! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event—don’t miss out, as the comet won’t be back for another 80,000 years.
What are comets?
Comets are balls of frozen gases, rocks, and dust that blaze across the sky. They are known for having a beautiful “tail”, which stretches into the sky when the comet gets closer to the Sun.
What is comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?
According to Space.com, Tsuchinshan–ATLAS was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in South Africa on February 22, 2023. At first, it was believed to be an asteroid, but it turned out to be the same object photographed earlier in the east of Nanjing, China, and has since been determined to be a comet. It is this year’s brightest comet, and it’s very possible to become the brightest one this century!
Is Tsuchinshan-ATLAS visible to the naked eye?
Yes! In fact, the comet was already spotted last weekend from various points across the world. It’s now rising into the night sky shortly after sunset. Comets are unpredictable, so unfortunately – no one can guarantee that you’ll spot it. However, it’s likely that you’ll be able to see the comet with your naked eyes. A pair of binoculars will give you a better view, and so will a great camera.
How do I spot the comet from San Diego?
- look for Tsuchinshan-ATLAS 45 minutes after sunset
- look out on nights with clear skies, as the comet is only visible when the skies are not completely dark yet – making it harder to spot
- getting away from lights and pollution would be ideal, so head to the beach for a better view
- locate the bright planet Venus, in the south-west, and the bright star Arcturus in the west
- comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be just below, roughly halfway between them
Happy viewing!