Problem arises in comet hunting; Comet chaser reveals thoughts on potential visibility without telescopes
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) has been the subject of much intrigue among astronomers and stargazers alike. This comet, which originates from the distant Oort Cloud, has been exhibiting peculiar behaviour since its discovery.
José J. Chambo, a comet observer and photographer, has been tracking and imaging the comet over the past few months. His latest capture, taken on 8 May 2024 from Valencia, Spain, shows the comet moving towards the southern portion of Leo. The comet's light curve has stalled since mid-April, remaining at magnitude 10.5.
The comet's behaviour in October remains uncertain and will be difficult to predict until it appears in the field of the SOHO Space Telescope on 7 October. This conjunction at the end of July will make the comet invisible until it reappears in mid-October, making accurate forecasts challenging.
The forecast is that comet C/2023 A3 will reach magnitude 0, but it won't be visible from Earth during this time due to being in conjunction with the Sun. However, when the comet reappears in our skies in mid-October, it could be at magnitude 1.
The exact brightness in October is not certain; the comet could behave unpredictably. There is a danger that comet C/2023 A3 could break up and fizzle out before reaching its brightest point. This stalled activity could negatively affect the maximum brightness C/2023 A3 reaches in October 2024.
José considers it unlikely that comet C/2023 A3 will become bright enough to be visible to the naked eye in autumn 2024. However, it is thought that the comet could become a naked-eye spectacle in September and October of 2024.
Below comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the captured image, there is a barred spiral galaxy named NGC 4904. The dust tail of the comet is reaching a length of almost 9 arcminutes in the captured image.
The suspense regarding the comet's behaviour in October remains high. As we wait for the comet to resume activity and not compromise peak brightness too much for October, the anticipation grows. In early June 2024, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will be visible in the constellation Virgo.
Stay tuned for updates on this fascinating celestial body as it continues its journey through our solar system.
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