The skies are set to light up with the arrival of a new comet this October. Named Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, the celestial body is expected to become as bright as Venus in the night sky, making it visible to the naked eye. Currently, the comet is only visible by telescope as it travels between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, according to Forbes.
As Tsuchinshan-ATLAS continues on its journey, astronomers predict that it will brighten up and grow a tail, which may make it stand out even more when it passes Earth in October. With an 80,000-year orbit, the long-period comet has the potential to become the “comet of the year.
While the exact level of brightness the comet will display remains uncertain, Forbes reports that its closest approach to the sun on October 10th will provide the best opportunity for stargazers to catch a glimpse. Following this encounter, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is expected to streak across the southwest sky just after sunset, making it easier to observe without the use of telescopes or other equipment.
Originating from the Oort Cloud, a sphere of comets that encircle our solar system, the comet was discovered by astronomers at both South Africa’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope and China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory in February. As it continues its journey toward Earth, this newly-discovered celestial body promises to be a stunning sight for those interested in astronomy and stargazing alike.
