By The Star Staff
Eddie Irizarry of the Caribbean Astronomical Society confirmed on Saturday that comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) can be observed with the naked eye this week.
The celestial phenomenon is brightest and most visible on the eastern horizon between 5:15 and 5:25 a.m.
“Once you manage to locate it, you realize that you can indeed see the comet and its tail slightly with the naked eye,” Irizarry said in a written statement.
“Close comets are objects that are much better appreciated through binoculars,” Irizarry said. “During the observations, we noticed that comet A3 is showing a tail of at least three degrees.”
Comet A3 is located at a distance from the sun similar to the orbit of Mercury. Its approach to the sun causes the ejection of dust and ice, creating the visible trail that can be observed in the mornings.
Irizarry noted that the comet comes from the Oort cloud. Although its orbit was believed to take 80,000 years, new observations suggest that it could be hyperbolic, indicating that this is the first time it has come close to the Sun.
For those who do not have telescopes or binoculars, it is recommended to use the camera on your phone, he said.
“You can capture images between 5:15 and 5:25 in the morning,” Irizarry said. “It is important to hold it steady to avoid blurry images.”
Comet A3 is expected to be visible until Tuesday or Wednesday and will reappear around evening time Oct. 12-14, becoming the brightest comet of the year if it continues to brighten.
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