Comet A3: How to see the ‘comet of the century’ as it passes Earth

Two viewing windows are possible to catch a glimpse of what’s being described as the astrological event of the year with your naked eyes and some luck.

If you’re into stargazing, the next few weeks need to be marked in your calendar, more specifically for comet-gazing. 
The comet A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is currently making its way through the inner Solar System. 
It will be possible to observe it with the naked eye in the northern hemisphere during two viewing windows, the first beginning this weekend.
The first window to watch it is from September 27 to October 2. You’ll need to put on the alarm because the observation needs to happen before sunrise before the sunlight is up.
The viewing might be challenging as the comet will be very close to the horizon line.
The second viewing window will be from October 13 to 26. 
“From the mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere, this will be the best time to observe it, in the evening, on a clear western horizon,” according to the Paris Observatory. 
“Day after day, at least an hour after sunset, and just above the Sun, the comet will be seen with its beautiful tail, higher and higher in the sky”.
To get the best view, it is advisable to find a dark location away from city lights with a clear view. Using binoculars can also enhance the viewing experience.
Fortunate inhabitants in the southern hemisphere and inhabitants of the International Space Station (ISS) have already managed to get some glimpses of comet A3 and posted the images on social media.
The second viewing window in mid to late October isn’t guaranteed as there’s a risk when the comet is closer to the Sun, that it will disintegrate.
The perihelion – the moment it will be at the closest point to the Sun – is scheduled for September 27, at 5 PM.
Comets are primarily made of ice, dust, and rocks. When a comet’s orbit brings it closer to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma, the head and a long, streaming tail.
The closer a comet gets to the Sun, the brighter it also becomes due to the increased amount of sunlight reflecting off its coma and tail.
This specific comet was discovered in January 2023 by the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and then in South Africa thanks to the ATLAS programme with both lending their names to the comet.
With its brightness, the comet has already dubbed the “comet of the century” by some enthusiasts though experts warned about the unpredictability of its brightness and are more reserved.