The C/2023 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, known as the 'comet of the century', was first seen with the naked eye at the end of September and, from this Saturday, it will be observed for the second and last time and probably with an even more spectacular tail, has told EFE the astrophysicist disseminator of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) Alfred Rosenberg.
To see this comet you will have to wait for sunset and it will begin to be seen from Saturday, but Alfred Rosenberg has commented that the "ideal" view will arrive on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week.
In its previous passage, the ideal observation was from September 27 to 29, looking east at dawn. Now, once it has passed through the perihelion (the point closest to the Sun) it approaches the Earth, from where it will be seen from when the solar brightness is not visible.
Alfred Rosenberg has pointed out that the tail of this comet is very long and weak, so it will be much more difficult to see it on Saturday, but on Sunday you will have 15 minutes of observation, and each day the schedule will be extended by 15 minutes, so it will be seen better on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The use of binoculars is "highly recommended" and good photographs can be taken, Alfred Rosenberg pointed out, who has indicated that the forecast is that the comet has increased its brightness and its tail will be more spectacular, because, as it has passed close to the sun, it has ionized, it has been charged, and it will be less rectilinear and more "disheveled".
Alfred Rosenberg has acknowledged that it is an exaggeration to speak in this case of the 'comet of the century', but when it was discovered from South Africa last year it was believed that it would be brighter. However, he added, it is still spectacular to see it with the naked eye and know that it will be the last time to observe it.
It will not be observed again from Earth because the orbit of this comet has gone from parabolic to hyperbolic and it will move away forever, although, according to the models, it can be seen until October 25.
Alfred Rosenberg has pointed out that when the full moon passes, on October 17, the vision will improve and the ideal will be on the 19th and 20th of that month, when it is possible that the best photographs can be obtained.
The maximum approach of this comet to Earth is calculated to occur on October 12, when it is expected to be about 70 million kilometers away.
Alfred Rosenberg has recalled that the "optimal" vision of this comet depends on its brightness and its apparent distance from the Sun and how it illuminates on the horizon, but also on the brightness of the Moon, and on the meteorological conditions.
Comets are formed by icy materials that partly sublimate (become gaseous) when they approach the Sun, which increases their brightness, which they lose as they move away. Although when moving away from the Sun they lose brightness when approaching the Earth it gives the impression that it increases.
