The comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, discovered as recently as January 2023. It has been called the "comet of the century", due to how bright and visible it can be, according to the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), which The Guardian previously reported on. According to astronomers, it was last seen from our planet about 80,000 years ago.
In October, the comet is visible in the northern hemisphere.
City lights disturb
Niklas Edberg is a researcher at the Institute of Space Physics at Uppsala University. He explains that the comet can be seen with the naked eye – under certain conditions.
First, you should look at a beautiful sunset. Then, you should look in about the same direction, westward, he says.
It's best if it's cloudless, and it's best to be outside the city – to avoid disturbing city lights.
About a couple of hours after the sun has set, the comet will be visible just above the horizon, from about fifteen degrees and downward.
May be the only chance
The comet will be visible throughout October, but towards the end of the month, binoculars will be needed. The comet is moving slowly downward, and its continued path is unclear – but there is a high risk that it will never return.
This may be the chance you have to see it. It won't happen again until at least 80,000 years, says Niklas Edberg.
But those who miss the comet don't need to be too disappointed.
It's a bit unusual to be able to see a comet with the naked eye, but it's not unique. It happens maybe every year or every other year, says Niklas Edberg, adding that it requires the right conditions.
