This week has been an exciting time to look up at the sky in California; with the northern lights spotted dancing as far south as NorCal, and the Blue Angels roaring overhead. Now, we have a particularly exciting celestial event to add to the calendar, which is being hailed as the “comet of the Century.”
The comet in question is Comet Tsuchinshan, and the reason why it’s started so much buzz is because it has the possibility to be the brightest comet passing by Earth in a century, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. But it warns that comets are unpredictable, so it’s unclear whether it really will be as spectacular as some stargazers are hoping.
Peak viewing was this past Saturday, October 12th, 2024. NASA reports that the comet may remain visible by Monday, October 14th, between the star Arcturus and the planet Venus. By early November, the comet will no longer be visible.
San Francisco photographer Sean Qiu (@flyhighdragon on Instagram) captured the comet’s trail above the Golden Gate Bridge this weekend:
Why is this comet important?
It is undeniably exciting that the comet is passing by earth. The ancient celestial body is a once in every 80,000 years visitor according to NASA. The comet reached its closest to Earth on October 12, when it becomes within 44 million miles from Earth. Scientists predict the comet will be visible to the naked eye at night, although it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see it during the daytime.
How bright will this comet be?
Tsuchinshan’s brightness is predicted to be between 2 and 4 on the scale scientists use to measure star brightness. This prediction is dimmer than the sky’s brightest star Sirius.
Although, it’s important to note that comets are unpredictable. Astronomer Bill Cooke notes that sunlight bouncing off the debris and gas from the comet (something that is called forward scattering) could make it appear brighter: “If there is a lot of forward scattering, the comet could be as bright as magnitude –1,” Cooke states according to NASA. That could make it “visible to the unaided eye or truly spectacular with binoculars or a small telescope.”
Where to see the comet
Stargazers in the southern hemisphere have the best view, but we should still be able to get a view of the comet here in California. Astronomers suggest finding a dark spot away from light pollution just after nightfall, and look about 10 degrees above the horizon. You should be able to spot the comet between the Sagittarius and Scorpio constellations.
If you plan on looking for the comet, remember that astronomers warn comets are notoriously unpredictable, so we recommend not getting your hopes up. While it’s an exciting possibility, there is no guarantee it will be visible, especially to the naked eye.
What is a comet?
You’ve probably heard of comets most of your life, but do you know what a comet is actually made of? Comets are basically giant space snowballs. They’re composed of the leftovers from the formation of the solar system that have frozen together. As icy formations hurdle through space, they release heat and gas when they orbit closely to the sun. The result is a giant glowing head, and a tail of debris that can spread millions of miles.