Edinburgh stargazers to catch glimpse of 'once every 80,000 years' comet

The comet could be visible with the naked eye.
-Credit: (Image: The Mirror.)


Edinburgh stargazers may be able to catch a glimpse of a 'once in a lifetime' comet with the naked eye.

The comet, known as C/2023 A3 or Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is said to be visible over the coming days with astronomers believe it could shine as brightly as the top 20 stars that light up our night sky.

Live Science said the comet is predicted to orbit the Earth every 80,000 years, making this an extremely rare opportunity.

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“We may be in for a much brighter comet than predicted,” Nick James of the British Astronomical Association told the Independent.

Discovered in January 2023, this comet hails from the distant Oort Cloud, which encircles our solar system with countless comets and icy fragments. There will be two prime opportunities to catch a glimpse of the extraordinary event, the Daily Record reports.

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The comet is anticipated to be most luminous between Friday, September 27 and Wednesday, October 2. With its dual tails—one a pale white and the other a soft blue—C/2023 A3 might be seen by keen-eyed observers here on Earth.

However, for those at mid-northern latitudes, the comet will become obscured by the dawn's early light on September 30. Yet, individuals near the equator can look forward to viewing the comet until October 2.

During its brightest phase, the comet will appear just above the horizon roughly an hour before the sun rises.

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How to see comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS over Scotland

For those eager to see the comet and pinpoint Ophiuchus, downloading an astronomy app could prove helpful.

Astronomy experts recommend acquiring a good pair of binoculars designed for stargazing or a modest telescope to truly enhance the experience.

Previously, Scots enjoyed a double astronomical treat when both the northern lights and an unusual meteor shower created a stunning show in the skies.

Over 100 shooting stars from the Perseid meteor shower were seen streaking across the sky every hour. Weather experts described the spectacle as "one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky".