C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS): Will she be the Next Great Count?

Count C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is already generating a lot of enthusiasm among astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts. Discovered at the beginning of 2023, it is described as a potential county of the century. Expected to be a highlight of fall 2024, this county could offer an exceptional celestial spectacle visible in both hemispheres. Let's see what makes it special and how you can spot it in the night sky.

What Makes C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) Special?

Count C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) has the potential to develop a spectacular county tail. Bright clusters that pass close to the Sun, like this one, often have impressive tails formed by the rapid evaporation of ice and dispersal of dust by solar heat. This count will pass close to the Sun at a distance comparable to the orbit of Mercury, which should lead to intense sublimation of its ices and the formation of a long luminous tail.

The brightness of C/2023 A3 is still unpredictable, but it could become visible to the naked eye. Some astronomers estimate that it could be even brighter than the C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) count of summer 2020. The last time an exceptional count was visible from northern latitudes was in 1997 with the count Hale-Bopp.

How to Find C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the Sky?

You can spot Count C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) using astronomy apps like Sky Tonight. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Sky Tonight app and tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. Type C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the search box and tap the target icon next to the corresponding search result.
3. Follow the app's prompts to point your device at the sky and locate the count.

Visibility Forecasts for 2024

The forecasts for the visibility of C/2023 A3 in 2024 are promising:

• May: magnitude 10 11, visible in the evening.
• June: magnitude 9 to 10, best visibility in the southern hemisphere.
• July: magnitude 8 to 9, always better visibility in the southern hemisphere.
• August: magnitude 4 at the end of the month, too close to the Sun to be clearly visible.
• September: magnitude 3 to 4, begins to appear in the morning sky in the southern hemisphere.
• October: optimal period for observations in the northern hemisphere, with magnitude up to 0-1.
• November: magnitude 4.5 8, visible in the evening.
• December: magnitude 8 to 10, moves away from the Sun.

Core of C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

The core size of C/2023 A3 is crucial for its brightness. Although difficult to measure precisely, some estimates suggest a diameter between 6 and 15 km, or even 20 to 40 km. A core of this size could withstand high solar heat and produce an impressive light show.

C/2023 A3: The Next Great Count?

Although it is difficult to predict with certainty, C/2023 A3 has the potential to become a major story visible to the naked eye and captivate the world. If conditions are favourable, it could outperform many recent counties in terms of brightness and visibility.

Conclusion

C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) could become one of the major astronomical events of autumn 2024. With adequate preparation and the use of astronomy applications, you can enjoy this celestial spectacle. At Astronomy Store, we provide you with the tools and guidance needed to observe and appreciate this extraordinary phenomenon. Visit our website Astronomy Store for more information and equipment.