Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas disappears. How to see it before it disappears

I’m going… I’m going… I’m leaving. Or at least it will be soon. The chances of seeing Comet Tzuchinshan-ATLAS soaring across Indiana skies are getting slimmer every day as it drifts further away from Earth’s orbit.

Dubbed the “comet of the century” by some, Qutingshan-ATLAS may be the brightest comet of 2024, and experts say it won’t return in our lifetime due to its 80,000-year orbit around the sun.

Here’s what Hoosiers need to know before it slips out of our solar system.

Article continues after the gallery.

How bright is the comet now?

As of Monday, Comet C/2023 A3 Qutingshan (Chu-Chin-SHAN) – ATLAS begins to dim each night – much dimmer than it was on October 12th. That’s when the comet made its closest approach to Earth, coming within about 44 million miles, according to TheSkyLive.com.

“It will start to weaken after the 12th,” Dr. Aarran Shaw, director of Holcomb Observatory, said in an earlier IndyStar report. “We’ll be able to see it with the naked eye, but we definitely recommend binoculars to see the full beauty of the comet.”

How to see the “comet of the century”

Starting Monday, Hoosiers may need binoculars or a decent telescope to see the comet.

For the best experience, you’ll want to get away from the bright city lights—the darker the sky, the better the view. Bring a comfortable blanket if you need one to stay warm.

Where to look to see a comet

To find Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in the Northern Hemisphere, you don’t need to look “up,” experts say, but look “out.” Shaw recommended that people travel outside the city, where the comet is less likely to be blocked by trees, buildings and light pollution.

Just after sunset, look to the west and look for the constellation Virgo, the second largest constellation in the sky, and that is where the Tzuchinshan Atlas should appear. Experts say the comet will appear higher in the sky every day until it eventually disappears from view.

How to find the constellation Virgo

Find the curved arm of Ursa Major, writes Space.com, and then follow that arc to the bright star Arcturus. Continuing along this curve, you will find Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, and from there you can trace the rest of the constellation.

Need help finding stars, planets and constellations? Try These Free Astronomy Apps

The following free astronomy apps will help you find stars, planets and constellations.

More astronomical events will occur in October 2024, according to NASA.

According to NASA, if you plan to observe the night sky this month, keep the following October 2024 dates in mind:

All month – Look for Venus low in the west just after sunset. Saturn can be seen in the southeast as soon as it gets dark. Mars rises around midnight, and Jupiter rises in the first half of the night (during the month it rises earlier).
October 23-24 – Early risers will be able to see Mars, along with the Moon high overhead in the south, both mornings.
October 25 – This morning Europa is easy to see on one side of Jupiter through binoculars.

Full Moon 2024: Here’s when each full moon will shine in 2024

This article has been updated with additional information.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.