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How to spot C/2023 A3 in the Florida sky before it takes off

Vaseline October 16, 2024

A once-in-a-lifetime comet is currently passing our sun, and it will be visible in the night sky in the coming days.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) appeared in the morning sky late last month, but it was not clear and morning clouds on the horizon obscured the comet from view. Its path through space has now taken it into the evening sky, making it visible in the west just after sunset.

Expensive equipment or a telescope is not required.

The comet has caused a stir on social media in recent days, but many remain confused about how to spot it. Although you’ll need good eyesight to see the comet, there are other ways to see it for yourself before it goes back out into the universe.

When can you see Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in Florida?

Over the next few nights, the comet will rise slightly higher in the western sky just after sunset. As it rises, the comet actually moves away from our sun and back on its path through space as the days pass. This makes it weaker every night. If the weather cooperates, this is the time to look at the western horizon after sunset.

To maximize your chances of seeing it, make sure you have a clear view of the western horizon and let your eyes adjust to the darkness first. You can do this by not looking at a screen for a few minutes. Looking at a phone can easily hinder night vision.

According to Astronomy Magazine, the comet will become visible 15 minutes after sunset on October 16, followed by 30 minutes after sunset for the next four days before disappearing from our view.

Here are the local times in Brevard County to watch:

Tonight – 7:07 PM
Thursday – 7:21 PM
Friday – 7:20 PM
Saturday – 7:19 PM
Sunday – 7:18 PM

How to see Comet C/2023 A3 in the night sky

Although you need strong eyesight to see the comet along with its faintly flowing tail, there are other ways to see it.

Simple sports binoculars can help visualize it. Look at the specific time when the comet is estimated to appear in the area just above where the sun sets.

There is also the phone photo method. If you use a phone tripod or hold the phone very still, use the night shot setting on the phone’s camera. Every phone is different, but this setting should be visible on the screen when the camera is open, especially if it detects darkness. This setting automatically uses an exposure time of 2 to 6 seconds, collecting more light and bringing out details not visible to the human eye.

This steady, long-exposure night image of the western horizon when the comet is visible should capture it.

Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or at X: @brookeofstars.