The brightest comet of the year, Comet A3, will be visible for the last time in a century this weekend. This weekend marks its brightest appearance, so it’s an event worth witnessing.
You don’t need any special equipment to see Comet A3, but here are some tips to make the most of the experience:
Where and how can I see the comet?
Comet A3 will be visible in the evening sky in the UK and US on October 12th when it will be closest to Earth, approximately 44 million miles away. You can also spot it on October 13th and 14th by looking towards the western horizon just after sunset.
What is Comet A3?
Comet A3 originates from the Oort Cloud, a region of icy space debris surrounding our solar system. Discovered in January 2023, it is a rare once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a comet in the inner solar system.
Why did Comet A3 temporarily disappear from view?
Comet A3 disappeared temporarily because it was close to the Sun, making it difficult to see. However, as it approached perihelion and developed a larger coma and tail, it became brighter and more visible in October.
Do I need binoculars to see Comet A3?
While Comet A3 is visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, especially in areas with low light pollution.
When will we next see Comet A3?
Comet A3 will be visible throughout October but will gradually become less visible as the month progresses. Its next appearance will be in approximately 80,000 years.
What is a comet? Why can we see it from Earth?
Comets are icy bodies made of gas, rock, and dust leftover from the formation of the solar system billions of years ago. They follow elliptical orbits and can take hundreds or thousands of years to complete their journey.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
