Comet Visible for the Northern Hemisphere in the Evenings

news image
Top Stories
17 Oct 2024 1:15 AM

It has been an incredible year for space phenomena! The Eclipse captured the country's interest in April before two incredible displays of the Aurora Borealis down to Southern Latitudes in both May and October. Now, stargazers and astronomy lovers could be treated to one of the best comets of the decade through late October.

Comet C / 2023 (A3), also known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, last passed the earth about 80,000 years ago, but was only discovered last year! This Oort cloud comet has been gracing the morning skies in the Southern Hemisphere over the last few weeks as it approached and moved around the sun. The comet is now passing Earth at its closest distance in its current orbit and is now expected to move away and slowly fade from view. Because of this movement away from Earth, seeing the comet earlier in the month will likely provide the best viewing conditions!

How to See the Comet

Timing for this event will be important, as the comet will only be visible for a short time in the evening before it dips below the horizon, especially earlier in the month. For the first few nights of viewing, the comet will appear low on the western horizon to the right of Venus (by about two fists held at arm's length). Be sure to be ready around sunset with a clear western horizon and something to be able to zoom in, like binoculars or a telescope. If you're lucky, it may be visible to the naked eye, but the tail may not be visible unless you use magnifying equipment.

Comet Observations

People around the country with clear skies were able to view and photograph the comet on Monday evening

As the month continues, the comet will gradually appear higher above the western horizon, but it is expected to fade as the month progresses. Here is where you'll need to look for the evening of October 16th.

Clear skies will be a must but getting away from city lights will also help the comet stand out as dusk fades into night. Binoculars, a telescope, or a zoom lens on a camera are recommended to help see features of the comet!

Cloud Cover

Clouds could be an issue for portions of the Great Lakes and Northeast. A clear western horizon is ideal for spotting the comet.

All Weather News
More
Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

A cold front that brought record lows to the

18 Jul 2025 10:40 PM
Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme heat continues to impact several area

18 Jul 2025 10:05 PM
Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

A cold front pushing through the Eastern Seab

18 Jul 2025 9:10 PM
EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah

18 Jul 2025 7:30 AM
Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Time has run out for notable tropical develop

18 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM