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
Small wooded island with a white beach and surrounding coral reef in the deep blue sea.
Thursday 23 October 2025

Ocean warming

Sea level rise is accelerating
Split weather map showing radar rain bands on the left and wind intensity on the right, both centred over Western Europe with low-pressure symbols and a red wind warning sign.
Tuesday 21 October 2025

Autumn storm brewing

Potential for second named storm
Weather map showing a category 5 hurricane over Jamaica and heavy rain over Cuba.
Monday 27 October 2025

Extreme wind and rain

Hurricane Melissa threatens Jamaica
All weather news
This might also interest you
Sunday 24 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mammatus clouds widely spotted
Mammatus clouds
Thursday 21 August 2025

Unusual view

Mammatus clouds over Ireland
Split weather map showing UK wind speeds in orange-red shades up to 40 mph on the left and warning levels in green-yellow on the right, with a central wind warning sign.
Wednesday 22 October 2025

Warnings active

Storm Benjamin impacts the UK
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement