Weather & Radar
Home / Editor's Pick /

Once in a lifetime comet in view

08:00
11 October 2024

Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas
Once in a lifetime comet in view

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS pictured over western Japan in early October 2024. Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas pictured over western Japan on October 1. - © picture alliance

A once-in-a-lifetime comet is currently within sight as it returns to our orbit for the first time in 80,000 years.

Comet C/2023 A3, also called Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas is so close that, with good weather conditions, it will be visible to the naked eye.

The comet has passed its closest approach to the Sun, at which point it could have disintegrated, and will now quickly return into view.

Current visibility

From October 12th, the comet will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere for an hour after sunset each day. Look to the west, where the Sun sets, to spot the comet blazing through the sky.

Did you know?

Comets consist of ice, dust, and rocks. As they near the Sun, they become brighter but run the risk of falling apart as the heat increases. 

As with any astronomical event, you will have a greater chance of seeing the comet in a dark area away from light pollution.

Conditions are looking ideal for viewing on Saturday night, with largely clear skies and dry conditions, though a cloudier night to come on Sunday.

Remember to check the WeatherRadar before heading out to find the best day.

October's astronomy outlookread more
Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Monday, 12 May 2025

Across England and Wales

Thunderstorm risk to start the week
Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Mostly clear this week

Understanding clouds on the WeatherRadar
Man sits with telescope looking up at the Milky Way.
Tuesday, 6 May 2025

May astronomy outlook

Meteor shower and the Flower Moon
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday, 2 May 2025

Thanks to a low in Iberia

Southern England warmer than Spain
Friday, 16 May 2025

Breakfast brief

Warmer as clouds break for a time
Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Breakfast brief

Heat rises again with plenty of sunshine
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.co.uk

facebooktwittertikTokContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info