
Earth is currently being orbited by not just one, but two moons, and to make things even more exciting, the “comet of the century,” known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is lighting up the skies. This is a rare celestial event that only happens once in 80,000 years, so make sure to catch it while you can.
What is a comet?
A comet is a mix of frozen gases, dust, and rocks, and travels across the sky with their signature glowing “tail”. This tail becomes visible when a comet approaches the Sun, creating a spectacle in the night sky.
What is comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?
The comet was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in South Africa on February 22, 2023. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was originally thought to be an asteroid. Later, it was identified as the same object previously observed near Nanjing, China, and has since been confirmed as a comet. Space.com reports that it’s the brightest comet of the year, and it will most probably turn out to be the brightest of this century.
Can you see Tsuchinshan-ATLAS without a telescope?
Yes, you can! The comet was already spotted last weekend from different locations around the world and can now be seen in the evening sky shortly after sunset. While comets can be unpredictable, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot it with the naked eye. For an even better view, use binoculars. To make this memory last, make sure to bring your camera.
How to see the comet from Las Vegas
Here are some tips for catching a glimpse of “comet of the century”, “Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, from Las Vegas:
- Look for the comet about 45 minutes after sunset.
- Choose clear nights for your best bet to spot the comet.
- Try to escape city lights and pollution.
- Find the bright planet Venus in the southwest and the bright star Arcturus in the west.
- The comet is just below, roughly halfway between these two bright points.
Enjoy the spectacle!