An icy comet that will take 80,000 years to return – if it survives the trip – is streaking across the sky this October.
Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, which was discovered last year and is named for the observatories in China and South Africa that spied it, made its closest pass to earth of 44 million miles over the weekend. Astronomers say it will stay visible throughout most of the month as it slings towards Earth in the outer reaches of the solar system.
Several comets are discovered every year, but many burn up near the sun or linger too far away to be visible without special equipment, according to Larry Denneau, a lead researcher with the Atlas telescope that helped discover the comet.Those hoping to spot the comet should venture outside about an hour after sunset on a clear night and look to the west.The comet should be visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
October Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Last Chance To See It for 80,000 YearsDon't miss the the celestial wonder on spectacular display on Tuesday night—if you do, you'll be waiting a while to see it again…
Read more »
Hopes dim for another bright October comet after Tsuchinshan-ATLASJoe Rao is Space.com's skywatching columnist, as well as a veteran meteorologist and eclipse chaser who also serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmers' Almanac and other publications.
Read more »
Volkswagen recalling 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross SUVs | Car NewsVolkswagen issues a safety recall on some 2024 models of its 3-row Atlas and 2-row Atlas Cross Sport, in which a secondary piston spring may be too small.
Read more »
A rare comet will brighten the night skies in OctoberComet Tsuchinshan-Atlas should be visible through the end of October.
Read more »
A rare comet will brighten the night skies in OctoberComet Tsuchinshan-Atlas should be visible through the end of October.
Read more »
A rare comet will brighten the night skies in OctoberComet Tsuchinshan-Atlas should be visible through the end of October.
Read more »