Monday, October 14, 2024

Finding Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

 

In the Astronomy world --- there has been great anticipation to see Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS  (Would it be pronounced Shoe-Shin-Shan? ) . It was supposed to be (and perhaps "is") a naked-eye comet. But --- this might assume you have 20-20 vision and clouldless, dark skies (no light pollution).  I was hoping to see it for the last two-three days as it has become visible in the northern hemisphere since Saturday --- but of course --- cloudy skies! Tonight - ((Canadian) Thanksgiving night ) I was finally able to see it after patiently waiting for cloulds to recede along the western horizon to give me brief but diagnostic views of this Oort cloud ice-ball. 

I attempted to view this from somewhere in Windsor that would afford me a view of the Western Horizon. I went to the top of the Malden Park hill in Windsor - which gives me a view of the western horizon. Sadly, lots of Detroit industry pollutes the views of the skyline but I guess this is the price we have to pay for industry, capitalism and local steel production.  

It would be nice to see this from Point Pelee Drive (or the tip / west beach of Point Pelee) this week. Looking west at the horizon just after sunset should afford stunning views of this comet!

If you care to find this  - I would recommend simply looking at the western horizon after the sun sets. (probably this week  Oct 14th to 18th). If you take a photo of the horizon with a wide angle camera - you might find it better by looking at an image --- as your camera may see it better than your eyes can see it. Also - if you see a yellow-ish star above the horizon (Arcturus)--- it may be just below it and to the right (see my stellarium-web photo below).




More from Oct 16th, 2024:







Astronomy Highlights this year:

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks March 2024   [link]
Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024  [link]
Northern Lights May 10th, 2024  [link]
Comet 13P/Olbers July 2024 [link]
Northern Lights Oct 10th, 2024
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS - Oct 14th 2024  [link]


Older Comet Postings- 
Good Astronomizing!
Dwayne


A backyard Purple Finch from this weekend




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