Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be visible without a telescope and promises the space show ‘of the century’ – El Financiero

In addition to taking its name in recognition of the observatories, it is known that The letter C in its name indicates that it is a non-periodic comet.. This means that it is a ‘star’ with an orbital period of more than 200 years. However, the BBC points out that it may be the “comet of the century.”

The nickname “comet of the century” was given due to the expectation that C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will generate an intense glow when it passes close to Earth.

The most recent reports on the trajectory of comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS indicate that is ‘close’ to Jupiter. The distance from Earth makes it difficult to know the size and other relevant data about the comet; However, more data will emerge in the coming months.

For now, astronomers predict that it is of a “great comet”which stands out for having a brightness similar to the stars.

One of the most remembered kites of recent years was the Hale-Boppwhich was seen in all its splendor in March 1997 and left a spectacular image due to their ‘twin tails’. Although it cannot yet be assured that comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has the same characteristics, it is expected to be at least brighter than several that have been seen in recent years.

Why is comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS so important? These are its characteristics

There are at least three factors that have to wait to the scientific community:

Brightness of comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

According to the specialized portal Starwalk, it is possible that the comet has a brightness of magnitude -0.1 to -6.6, a comparable figure with the brightest stars we see from Earth without the need for a telescope.

Compared to Comet Hale-Bopp, which had a magnitude of -1.8, The C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS may be brighter and more impressive.

What do we know about the ‘tail’ of this comet?

It is estimated that pass close to the Sun, at a distance similar to that of Mercury, which will make Some of its ice particles evaporate. This fact would cause a tail of dust and ice to be generated that can be very large compared to other comets.

This will the show is bigger, since one of the main characteristics of this type of kite is the tail and how it leaves a trail while flying through space.

Will it pass very close to the Sun?

The comet is expected to pass close to the Sun, and since most of its characteristics are unknown, astronomers point out that there is a possibility of disintegration due to heat.

In case this happens, the comet would not be visible as well from Earthsince even before it passed near the Sun can be seen with a telescopea disintegration would ruin the expectations that it would be one of the brightest.

What is the next comet that will be seen on Earth?

From Mexico and all the countries that are part of the Northern Hemisphere, observing comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be possible at a glance during October.

When will comet ATLAS be seen?

• September 27th: It is expected to be its closest point to the Sun. At that moment it will be known if it survives or becomes extinct due to high temperatures.
• October 2nd: If it survives the Sun, its passage will bring it closer to the Earth, beginning to be seen ever closer and without the need for tools. In addition, it will enter its night phase, which will make it look better at night.
• October 12: It will be the best day to see the cometnight being the best time and waiting for the tail of dust and ice that it generates to be at one of its most intense points.
• October 13: The comet will begin to move away from Earth and throughout the month you will see less and less.