Rediscovered Astronomy

Tag: comet

  • Comet C/2023 A3

    Comet C/2023 A3

    Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

    The second date to remember is September 27, 2024 as this will be Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS closest approach to the Sun or perihelion. However, this is not the only date to keep in mind for this series of astronomical events that started with the partial Lunar Eclipse of last September 17-18, 2024. If you’re still here, keep reading ahead.

    Actual photo of C/2023 A3 taken in June of 2024

    Discovery

    Comet C/2023 A3 was discovered in 2023, it’s a long-period comet, which means it takes a really long time to orbit the Sun—think thousands of years! This one’s making headlines because of it may have a bright tail after its close approach to the Sun, and Earth.

    Comet C/2023 A3 was spotted by astronomers using advanced telescopes. Its orbit is fascinating, since it swings in from the Oort Cloud and heads back out into deep space. As it gets closer to the Sun, the heat causes it to release gas and dust, creating that stunning tail we may be able to see.

    Stargazing

    Now, for all you stargazers out there—when can you see it? C/2023 A3 is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on October 12 of 2024; however, it is expected to be the brightest on or around October 9, 2024. During this time, it could be visible with binoculars or even the naked eye in dark areas. Keep an eye on the sky, especially during early mornings or late evenings.

    Comets are more than just beautiful sights; they’re like time capsules from the early solar system. Studying them helps scientists understand the origins of our planetary system, and maybe even the building blocks of life.

    Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS the night of September 27, 2024 | Stellarium

    If you want to catch a glimpse of Comet C/2023 A3, here are some tips:

    • Grab a pair of binoculars or a telescope if you have one.
    • Find a dark location away from city lights.
    • Use a stargazing app to help you locate it in the sky.
    • Take some snacks—you might be out there for a while!

    That’s it for today’s cosmic adventure!

    Are you excited to see Comet C/2023 A3? Let us know!

    Comet C-2023 A3
    Comet C/2023 A3 the night of October 9, 2024 | Stellarium


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    Until next time, keep looking up!

    Sources: I.A.U. Minor Planet Center / NASA – JPL – CalTech Small Body Database

    © 2024 Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Rediscovered Astronomy Podcast Episode 1

    Rediscovered Astronomy Podcast Episode 1

    The Search for Planet X

    The search for a massive planet, from 2 – 10 Earth masses, has never stopped. The discovery of Sedna and later of Eris by Michael Brown and his team, not only would prompt the redefinition of what a planet is, but it would also be a key factor in the search for Planet X.

    The discovery of 2012 VP113 in early 2014 by Scott Sheppard and Chad Trujillo supports and extends the current theories that propose the presence of another planet in the outer Solar System. 2012 VP113 [nicknamed Biden] lies at 80 Astronomical Units perihelion and 445 Astronomical Units aphelion.

    Written by J.J. Del Mar for Rediscovered Astronomy

    English: AI

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    © 2023 Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Amazing Comet Soho 2875 Survives Close Encounter With the Sun

    Amazing Comet Soho 2875 Survives Close Encounter With the Sun

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  • Comet ISON Approach To Mars

    Comet ISON Approach To Mars

    Comet ISON Approach To Mars

    c/2012 S1 ISON Approach To Mars

    Comet ISON is racing towards the inner solar system. This is the comet astronomers had said back in 2012 it would become “brighter than the moon”.  October 1, 2013 is when ISON begins its close approach to Mars and from there to Earth on its first approach to our planet.

    We will see how the tail of the comet behaves if ISON survives its approach to SOL around November 27, 2013.

    For now, Mars and ISON appear towards the East early morning, that is, provided you have enough zooming power to get a glance of it.

    The following Celestia animation shows ISON’s approach to Mars. We are looking at both bodies at a distance of  ~.40 AU.

    Comet c/2012 S1 Approach to Mars / Celestia Animation by Rediscovered Astronomy

    © Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Awe from Wonderers’ Insides!

    Awe from Wonderers’ Insides!

    Awe from Wonderers’ Insides!

    I am sharing this with you from looking at a video from Space.com I think it is important since astronomers are now discovering that comets, asteroids, meteorites and the like from our own solar system can in fact carry “elements of life” as we know it on our forgotten planet Earth.

    As astronomers in the past were ridiculed, it is hilarious to see now how these incredulous experts stand in awe after “suspicions” of the past are confirmed day to day in light of the use of new technologies.

    © Rediscovered Astronomy