Comet C/2023 A3 (Tuchinshan-ATLAS) successfully survived its approach to the Sun on September 27, and according to the latest observations, it is showing great activity. It will be visible in the western sky starting Friday evening, although observing it will be more difficult due to the proximity of the sun.
However, with the help of binoculars, it will be easier to see the comet's bright nucleus and the dust plume emanating from it. In order to observe this phenomenon in the first days, it is especially important that the horizon is completely flat and clear.
Venus can serve as a reference point, as the comet lies 29 degrees, two arms' length, west of the bright planet. The bright phenomenon will be at an altitude of 14 degrees on Tuesday at 7 pm, and at an altitude of 21 degrees on Friday in the constellation Serpent, so it will become more visible every day.
In terms of reveals, Sunday evening, October 20 at 7pm promises to be the best. The comet will then be found with the help of the fact that it will be in conjunction with the star Marvik, so we can see them at the same time using a pair of binoculars.
The comet was first observed at the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on January 9, 2023. A few weeks later, on February 22, it was also discovered by the South African Observatory of the ATLAS Project. It approached the Sun on September 27, at a distance roughly the same as Mercury's orbit. It can be seen in the morning sky in the first days of October. On Wednesday and Thursday, it will be very close to the sun, and on Friday it will appear in the evening sky, which will be good for observers in the northern hemisphere.
the Svabeje Observatory Extraordinary evening programs are being organized to observe the comet, where it will be possible to observe the comet with a wide-field telescope and a telescope with higher magnification. You can apply for the programs on the observatory’s website.
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