Throughout history, ancient civilizations have often linked the sighting of comets with foreboding events such as natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and diseases. The term “disaster” itself is derived from the Latin words “dis,” meaning evil, and “astro,” meaning star.
Currently, as hurricanes and wildfires rage and a national election looms, some might wonder if these coincidences bear any significance. However, experts remind us that the laws of physics remain unchanged. The latest comet, a two-mile-wide mass of dust and ice, is simply following its natural orbit around the sun, which brings it close to Earth roughly every 80,000 years.
Discovered last year and named after China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory and the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in South Africa, this comet has been on a slow trajectory towards our planet. Though it has been difficult to spot against the brilliance of the sun, now is the moment for skywatchers.
For the next ten days, there is a unique chance to witness Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS after sunset. As the evening progresses, the comet will become visible in the western sky, gradually appearing higher above the horizon each night until it fades on October 24.
To enjoy this celestial event, find a location away from city lights and clouds, settle in with a lawn chair, and take in the view.