October Night Skies

In the world of once in a lifetime opportunities this is one you'll not want to miss.

Discovered only last year, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3 to astronomers) has been making an appearance since September.  Between now and the end of the month will be your last opportunity to see this in the night sky before it disappears into the cosmos.  Astronomers believe that this celestial body circles the sun about once every 80,000 years.

Brighter than the planet Jupiter it is easy to spot with the naked eye.  Binoculars or a telescope will enhance your viewing pleasure. 

Comets consist of ice, dust and rock, think:  Dirty Snowball.  The ice component is made-up of frozen water, carbon dioxide, ammonia and methane mixed with dust and rock originating back to the formation of our solar system.  As the comet circumnavigates our sun some of the ice vaporizes resulting in a visible tail of gas and dust.  Rock and dust from the object may enter the earth's atmosphere resulting in meteors (shooting stars).

Look to the west-southwest, low on the horizon, about 30 to 45 minutes following sunset.  An unobstructed view is recommended.

Image - Space.com