Throughout history, ancient civilizations often linked the appearance of comets in the night sky with ominous events such as earthquakes, floods, and plagues. The term “disaster” itself originates from a blend of Latin words suggesting “evil star.”
Despite the ongoing challenges of hurricanes, wildfires, and an impending national election, it’s essential to remember that these events may just be coincidental.
Current scientific understanding reassures us that the latest celestial visitor, known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is merely a two-mile-wide mass of dust and ice on a long orbit around the sun, making its closest pass to Earth every 80,000 years.
Named after the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in South Africa, the comet was first identified last year and has been on a gradual approach to our planet since then. If you haven’t noticed its presence, that’s understandable, as its faint glow has been competing with the brightness of the sun.
Now, however, marks an extraordinary opportunity for skywatchers.
Over the next ten days, after sunset, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will become visible in the western sky, gradually rising higher in the horizon each night. It is expected to begin fading from view around October 24.
To fully appreciate this rare spectacle, find a location away from city lights and obstructions, get comfortable, and take in the view.