New Yorkers should take some time to look up at the night sky this week as there's a chance to see a once-in-a-lifetime comet passing by.
When was the comet discovered and how did it get its name?
The comet was first discovered almost two years ago in January 2023 by astronomers at China's Tsuchinshan or "Purple Mountain" Observatory, according to Space.com and NASA, but was originally thought to be an asteroid before it was also discovered a month later by scientists at the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) -- a telescope in South Africa -- who realized it was a pretty rare comet that hasn't been seen for tens of thousands of years.
A combination of the two places of discovery led to its name: Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.
Where did it come from?
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is believed to have come out of what astronomers call the Oort Cloud, which lies far beyond Pluto. NASA describes the Oort Cloud as giant spherical shell of icy space debris that surrounds our solar system. It's home to many long-period comets.
When's the best time to see the comet?
The comet's closest approach to Earth and best opportunity to view it is on Saturday, Oct. 12, according to USA TODAY.
You'll want to choose somewhere dark just after nightfall, says NASA astronomer Bill Cooke. Look to the southwest, about 10 degrees above the horizon and find the Sagittarius and Scorpio constellations as you should be able to see the comet between them.
However, visibility may change by Oct. 14 and could be seen instead between star Arcturus and planet Venus.
Will I need binoculars or a telescope to see the comet?
Possibly.
Even though C/2023 A3 might be visible with the unaided eye, a good set of binoculars or a small telescope could come in handy, USA TODAY says.
Will you be able to see Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS during the day?
It's not likely.
The comet probably won't be visible during daylight hours, NASA says, as it won't be bright enough.
How close will the comet get to Earth?
The comet is expected to come within around 44 million miles of Earth on Oct. 12, NASA says, after surviving its closest journey past the sun on Sept. 27.
What will Saturday night's weather be like in Rochester?
Skies will be partly cloudy in Rochester Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service of Buffalo, but be sure to grab a jacket and maybe some gloves, too, before you head out there because there's a predicted low temperature of around 45 degrees.
What will Saturday night's weather be like in Westchester?
Westchester should have near perfect viewing conditions as the National Weather Service of New York City says it'll be mostly clear Saturday night but, like Rochester, you'll probably want to put on some extra layers as there's a predicted low temperature of around 47 degrees.
When will you no longer be able to see the comet?
NASA says Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be gone again by early November.
And what will happen to it once it passes by Earth, you might ask? "It is not expected to draw too near the planetary giants of our system, but eventually could be flung out of the solar system - like a stone from a sling - due to the gravitational influence of other worlds and its own tenuous bond with the Sun," according to NASA.
Tracking comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in October
The following timeline from astronomy site Starwalk.space provides more information about when the comet can be viewed:
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Other astronomical events happening in October 2024, per NASA
If you plan on observing the night sky this month, according to NASA, keep the following dates in mind for October 2024:
Contributing: USA TODAY