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Is there a comet tonight? The comet will be visible here

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Is there a comet tonight? The comet will be visible here

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A comet that orbits the sun for 80,000 years is preparing to make its “best display” for sky watchers across the country, including in California.

The comet, named C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, once thought to be an asteroid, is being called the “comet of the century” by some because of its brightness.

The comet that will be closest to Earth this weekend, NASA said, is believed to have come from the Oort Cloud, a giant spherical shell of icy space debris that surrounds our solar system and lies far beyond Pluto.

When can I see the comet?

According to Space.com, the comet will provide “the best image in the evening sky” during a two-week period from October 12th to 26th. The comet will gradually rise higher in the sky and become harder to see with the naked eye. Depending on its brightness, it will fade either during the week or before Halloween, NPR reported.

After that, you'll need a telescope to view it, NPR said. And while it may be easier to spot because it's higher in the sky, not only will the comet be dimmer, but the moonlight can obscure your vision, the New York Times reported.

This is how you see comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Prepare to look at the sky after sunset. According to Space.com, the comet will appear near the horizon on Saturday about 45 minutes after sunset and will set about 90 minutes after sunset. Going somewhere away from bright city lights and using binoculars will improve your viewing experience.

The Oklahoman Reporters Josh Kelly and John Tufts contributed to this article.

Paris Barraza is a featured reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

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