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    • Here's how to see C/2023 A3 in the Florida sky before it departs
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    Here's how to see C/2023 A3 in the Florida sky before it departs

    Kathleen William Posted on

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    A unique comet is currently passing our sun – and will be visible in the night sky in the next few days.

    Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) appeared in the morning sky late last month, but it was not bright and morning clouds on the horizon hid the comet from view. Its path through space has now taken it into the evening sky and makes it visible in the west shortly after sunset.

    No expensive equipment or telescope is required.

    The comet has caused a stir on social media in recent days, but many still don't know how to spot it. While you need good eyesight to spot the comet, there are other ways to see it for yourself before it heads back out into the universe.

    When to see comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in Florida

    Shortly after sunset, the comet will rise slightly higher in the western sky over the next few nights. As it rises over the days, it actually moves away from our sun and returns as it makes its way through space. This means it gets darker every night. Weather permitting, now is the time to look toward the western horizon after sunset.

    To maximize your chance of seeing it, make sure you have a clear view of the western horizon and let your eyes adjust to the darkness first. You can do this by not looking at the screen for a few minutes. Looking at a phone can easily affect night vision.

    According to Astronomy Magazine, the comet will become visible 15 minutes after sunset on October 16, followed by 30 minutes after sunset over the following four days before disappearing from our view.

    Here are the local hours for Brevard County:

    • Tonight – 7:07 p.m
    • Thursday – 7:21 p.m
    • Friday – 7:20 p.m
    • Saturday – 7:19 p.m
    • Sunday – 7:18 p.m

    This is how you see comet C/2023 A3 in the night sky

    While it takes good eyesight to see the comet with its faintly flowing tail, there are other ways to see it.

    A simple pair of sports binoculars can help bring it into view. At the estimated time the comet will appear, look in the area directly above where the sun set.

    There is also the phone photo method. Use a phone tripod or hold the phone very still and use the night shot setting on the phone's camera. Every phone is different. However, this setting should be visible on the screen when the camera is open – especially when darkness is detected. This setting automatically performs a 2 to 6 second exposure, collecting more light and highlighting details not visible to the human eye.

    If you take this long exposure night shot of the western horizon at the time the comet is visible, it should become visible.

    Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or at X: @brookeofstars.

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    Kathleen William
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