Constantly scanning the sky, that has to happen. Even regularly. Astronomers have just discovered a new comet. According to their predictions, it could eventually become brighter than the stars in our sky.
Astronomers call it “Tsuchinshan ATLAS”. But its codename is C/2023 A3. It is a cometComet that has been spotted openly. It is not uncommon to spot a comet. So why is this one attracting attention? Because according to initial, still preliminary estimates, it could become the brightest object in our sky within a year and a half.
Astronomers predict that comet C/2023 A3 will reach perihelion around September 28, 2024 — the point of its orbit closest to the Sun. It will be closest to Earth around October 13th. Between these two points, its magnitude could change from 0.7 to -0.2. Some even believe it could reach magnitudes in the order of -5. This would make it the brightest object in our sky – except for the SunSun and MoonMoon. For comparison: Classically it is Venus that occupies this place with a magnitude of about -4.5. And comets C/2022 E3 (ZTF) and C/2020 F3 (Neowise) peaked in magnitude at 5.3 and 0.9, respectively.
Nothing is confirmed yet
Another distinctive feature of comet C/2023 A3: its impressive speedmoving speed. It is currently running at more than 290,000 kilometers per hour. In a region somewhere between the orbits of Saturn and Jupiter.
Astronomers hope to be able to observe it more closely from June 2024. On the side of the Virgo constellation Virgo constellation. They hope… because in the end, nothing is less certain. Because comets know how to be moody. They sometimes unravel in completely unexpected ways. And with C/2023 A3 passing almost as close to the Sun as MercuryMercury, decay is imminent. But if it continues on its way, shortly after its flyby, for example, it could be visible closest to our Earth on the western horizon side just after sunset.