{"id":59217,"date":"2024-05-28T10:05:34","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T10:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/62fddae9-00ff-4bb1-8204-3428f5042948"},"modified":"2024-05-28T11:50:18","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T11:50:18","slug":"the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june\/","title":{"rendered":"The comet highlight of the year is yet to come. Here’s how to find and observe C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in June"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Pete Lawrence\n <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at 10:05 AM<\/p>

\n\n

There were a number of binocular- and small-telescope-bright comets at the start of 2024<\/a>.<\/p>

However, the comet highlight event for the year is yet to come, in the form of C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS<\/a>, which reaches perihelion (it’s closest point to the Sun) on 27 September.<\/p>

Around this time, C\/2023 A3 is expected to brighten above the naked-eye threshold.<\/p>

Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) captured by Jos\u00e9 J. Chamb\u00f3, Vall\u00e9s, Valencia, Spain. Credit: Jos\u00e9 J. Chamb\u00f3 (www.cometografia.es)<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Although it\u2019ll be challengingly-placed for observing around perihelion from the UK, it\u2019s predicted to remain above the naked-eye threshold when it re-emerges into our evening sky during October.<\/p>
At this time, it may also have the potential to become something rather special \u2013 although, as ever with comets, there are no guarantees.<\/p>
If you want to get out and observe Comet C\/2023 A3, in this guide we’ll reveal top tips on how to locate it, and what it will look like.<\/p>
You can also use our charts to help you find the comet in the sky.<\/p>
**Observing Comet A3 in June<\/strong><\/h2>** $\"Chart$
Chart showing location of Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in June 2024. Click to expand. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Comet C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS is located in western Virgo at the start of June, moving out of the Bowl of Virgo<\/a> asterism into southern Leo<\/a>.<\/p>
It\u2019s expected to shine at around ninth magnitude during the month, brightening from mag. +9.3 on 1 June to mag. +8.6 at the end of the month.<\/p>
These estimated figures are for the comet\u2019s integrated magnitude: how bright it would appear if you took all of its light and compressed it into a star-like point source.<\/p>
They may also change!<\/p>
$\"Image$
Image of C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) from Kendal, Cumbria, UK, 25 April 2024. Credit: Stuart Atkinson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In order to be able to predict how bright C\/2023 A3 may become, it\u2019s important that observations are made of the comet\u2019s brightness and recorded.<\/p>
Only then can the values be averaged and compared to the brightness model, allowing refinements to be made.<\/p>
Comets can be unpredictable.<\/p>
They may brighten unexpectedly or indeed fade well below what was expected of them.<\/p>
To date, C\/2023 A3 has been performing as expected, which leads us to optimistically think it may well brighten above the naked-eye threshold from late August into the start of September.<\/p>
If this is the case, the prospects for October remain good.<\/p>
**What C\/2023 A3 looks like<\/strong><\/h2>** $\"Comet$
Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) captured by Kevin Johnson, East Sussex. 6×90″ subs stacked.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Typically, a comet<\/a> shows a central star-like core known as its \u2018pseudo-nucleus\u2019, a condensed reflective envelope of gas and dust close to its true nucleus.<\/p>
In the case of C\/2023 A3, early estimates put its nucleus in the 20km\u201340km range, which is quite large for a comet.<\/p>
At a distance just shy of 2 AU, the true nucleus is too small to be seen from Earth.<\/p>
The pseudo-nucleus is typically the brightest part of the comet.<\/p>
It appears surrounded by the coma, a more diffuse shroud of gas and dust surrounding the core.<\/p>
A large coma can appear diffuse and will be easily lost against bright summer skies, while a more condensed example will stand its ground.<\/p>
$\"Chart$
Chart showing how to find Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in June 2024. Click to expand. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
How to locate Comet C\/2023 A3<\/strong><\/h2>
Comet C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS is a mag. +9.3 object at the start of June, brightening to mag. +8.6 at the end of the month but all the while battling evening twilight.<\/p>
The good news is that C\/2023 A3 will be in a convenient location, low above the western horizon as the sky darkens after sunset.<\/p>
The bad news is that the summer solstice on 20 June will mean the sky never gets properly dark from the UK.<\/p>
Comet magnitudes reflect how bright the object would appear if all its light were concentrated to a central point.<\/p>
How condensed C\/2023 A3 will appear in June and the nature of its tail remains to be seen, but the fainter elements of the comet will suffer against a non-dark sky.<\/p>
In order to maximise your chances of seeing or imaging C\/2023 A3, you\u2019ll need to get speedy with your area location techniques.<\/p>
Fortunately, that\u2019s fairly easy in this case.<\/p>
$\"Chart$
To find Comet C\/2023 A3, first locate the Plough in Ursa Major.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Choose a location with a flat, unobstructed western horizon.<\/p>
As darkness falls, locate the Plough<\/a> (or Saucepan) asterism above the west-northwest horizon.<\/p>
Extend the curve of its handle away from the plough to reach bright Arcturus<\/a> (Alpha (\u03b1) Bootis) and keep going to find bright Spica (Alpha (\u03b1) Virginis).\u00a0<\/p>
From Spica, work your way towards Porrima<\/a> (Gamma (\u03b3) Virginis), which sits at the \u2018base\u2019 of the Bowl of Virgo asterism.<\/p>
$\"Chart$
Chart showing the Bowl of Virgo asterism. Click to expand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Now work along the western arm of the Bowl towards the back legs of Leo and you\u2019ll be in the correct position to locate the comet.<\/p>
Once you\u2019ve done this a couple of times, it will become a quick process.<\/p>
Finally, look out for the Moon that will interfere between 10 and 25 June, adding additional unwanted natural light pollution to an already far-from-dark summer sky.<\/p>
***Have you observed or imaged Comet A3? Get in touch by emailing us at*** ***contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>***
***This guide appeared in the Jun 2024 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.<\/em><\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n***
","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Pete Lawrence Published: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at 10:05 AM There were a number of binocular- and small-telescope-bright comets at the start of 2024. However, the comet highlight event for the year is yet to come, in the form of C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS, which reaches perihelion (it’s closest point to the Sun) on 27 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":59218,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"5"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june.jpg",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june.jpg",1200,800,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june.jpg",1200,800,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Pete Lawrence Published: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at 10:05 AM There were a number of binocular- and small-telescope-bright comets at the start of 2024. However, the comet highlight event for the year is yet to come, in the form of C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS, which reaches perihelion (it’s closest point to the Sun) on 27…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/59217"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) captured by Jos\u00e9 J. Chamb\u00f3, Vall\u00e9s, Valencia, Spain. Credit: Jos\u00e9 J. Chamb\u00f3 (www.cometografia.es)<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Although it\u2019ll be challengingly-placed for observing around perihelion from the UK, it\u2019s predicted to remain above the naked-eye threshold when it re-emerges into our evening sky during October.<\/p>
At this time, it may also have the potential to become something rather special \u2013 although, as ever with comets, there are no guarantees.<\/p>
If you want to get out and observe Comet C\/2023 A3, in this guide we’ll reveal top tips on how to locate it, and what it will look like.<\/p>
You can also use our charts to help you find the comet in the sky.<\/p>
**Observing Comet A3 in June<\/strong><\/h2>** $\"Chart$
Chart showing location of Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in June 2024. Click to expand. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Comet C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS is located in western Virgo at the start of June, moving out of the Bowl of Virgo<\/a> asterism into southern Leo<\/a>.<\/p>
It\u2019s expected to shine at around ninth magnitude during the month, brightening from mag. +9.3 on 1 June to mag. +8.6 at the end of the month.<\/p>
These estimated figures are for the comet\u2019s integrated magnitude: how bright it would appear if you took all of its light and compressed it into a star-like point source.<\/p>
They may also change!<\/p>
$\"Image$
Image of C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) from Kendal, Cumbria, UK, 25 April 2024. Credit: Stuart Atkinson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In order to be able to predict how bright C\/2023 A3 may become, it\u2019s important that observations are made of the comet\u2019s brightness and recorded.<\/p>
Only then can the values be averaged and compared to the brightness model, allowing refinements to be made.<\/p>
Comets can be unpredictable.<\/p>
They may brighten unexpectedly or indeed fade well below what was expected of them.<\/p>
To date, C\/2023 A3 has been performing as expected, which leads us to optimistically think it may well brighten above the naked-eye threshold from late August into the start of September.<\/p>
If this is the case, the prospects for October remain good.<\/p>
**What C\/2023 A3 looks like<\/strong><\/h2>** $\"Comet$
Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) captured by Kevin Johnson, East Sussex. 6×90″ subs stacked.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Typically, a comet<\/a> shows a central star-like core known as its \u2018pseudo-nucleus\u2019, a condensed reflective envelope of gas and dust close to its true nucleus.<\/p>
In the case of C\/2023 A3, early estimates put its nucleus in the 20km\u201340km range, which is quite large for a comet.<\/p>
At a distance just shy of 2 AU, the true nucleus is too small to be seen from Earth.<\/p>
The pseudo-nucleus is typically the brightest part of the comet.<\/p>
It appears surrounded by the coma, a more diffuse shroud of gas and dust surrounding the core.<\/p>
A large coma can appear diffuse and will be easily lost against bright summer skies, while a more condensed example will stand its ground.<\/p>
$\"Chart$
Chart showing how to find Comet C\/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in June 2024. Click to expand. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
How to locate Comet C\/2023 A3<\/strong><\/h2>
Comet C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS is a mag. +9.3 object at the start of June, brightening to mag. +8.6 at the end of the month but all the while battling evening twilight.<\/p>
The good news is that C\/2023 A3 will be in a convenient location, low above the western horizon as the sky darkens after sunset.<\/p>
The bad news is that the summer solstice on 20 June will mean the sky never gets properly dark from the UK.<\/p>
Comet magnitudes reflect how bright the object would appear if all its light were concentrated to a central point.<\/p>
How condensed C\/2023 A3 will appear in June and the nature of its tail remains to be seen, but the fainter elements of the comet will suffer against a non-dark sky.<\/p>
In order to maximise your chances of seeing or imaging C\/2023 A3, you\u2019ll need to get speedy with your area location techniques.<\/p>
Fortunately, that\u2019s fairly easy in this case.<\/p>
$\"Chart$
To find Comet C\/2023 A3, first locate the Plough in Ursa Major.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Choose a location with a flat, unobstructed western horizon.<\/p>
As darkness falls, locate the Plough<\/a> (or Saucepan) asterism above the west-northwest horizon.<\/p>
Extend the curve of its handle away from the plough to reach bright Arcturus<\/a> (Alpha (\u03b1) Bootis) and keep going to find bright Spica (Alpha (\u03b1) Virginis).\u00a0<\/p>
From Spica, work your way towards Porrima<\/a> (Gamma (\u03b3) Virginis), which sits at the \u2018base\u2019 of the Bowl of Virgo asterism.<\/p>
$\"Chart$
Chart showing the Bowl of Virgo asterism. Click to expand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Now work along the western arm of the Bowl towards the back legs of Leo and you\u2019ll be in the correct position to locate the comet.<\/p>
Once you\u2019ve done this a couple of times, it will become a quick process.<\/p>
Finally, look out for the Moon that will interfere between 10 and 25 June, adding additional unwanted natural light pollution to an already far-from-dark summer sky.<\/p>
***Have you observed or imaged Comet A3? Get in touch by emailing us at*** ***contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>***
***This guide appeared in the Jun 2024 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.<\/em><\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n***
","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Pete Lawrence Published: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at 10:05 AM There were a number of binocular- and small-telescope-bright comets at the start of 2024. However, the comet highlight event for the year is yet to come, in the form of C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS, which reaches perihelion (it’s closest point to the Sun) on 27 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":59218,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"5"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june.jpg",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june.jpg",1200,800,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2024\/05\/the-comet-highlight-of-the-year-is-yet-to-come-heres-how-to-find-and-observe-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-in-june.jpg",1200,800,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Pete Lawrence Published: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at 10:05 AM There were a number of binocular- and small-telescope-bright comets at the start of 2024. However, the comet highlight event for the year is yet to come, in the form of C\/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan\u2013ATLAS, which reaches perihelion (it’s closest point to the Sun) on 27…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/59217"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}