Earth set to witness comet, solar eclipse, aurora, and mini moon this week: how to watch

Astronomical events this week (Image: Canva)

The night sky may seem vast and unchanging, but every now and then, it delivers a series of cosmic events all at once. This coming week, stargazers and skywatchers will be treated to a spectacular array of celestial phenomena. From the rare appearance of a bright comet and a “ring of fire” solar eclipse to the debut of a temporary "mini moon" and stronger-than-usual Northern Lights, the sky will be full of exciting opportunities for observation.

Comet A3 Becomes Visible in the Early Morning Hours Before Sunrise

For those who enjoy stargazing before dawn, Comet A3, also known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3), will make an appearance this week. Although it is predicted to reach its brightest visibility around mid-October, keen observers will have the chance to spot it now in the early morning skies.

• Best viewing time: 60-75 minutes before sunrise
• Direction to look: Eastward from the Northern Hemisphere

Read Also: Attention! Don’t miss the rare ‘Ring of fire’ solar eclipse on October 2: Discover the viewing times for your location

Here’s a breakdown of the prime viewing dates:

• Monday, Sept. 30: Look east an hour before sunrise to see Comet A3 shining to the lower-right of a slim, 5%-lit waning crescent moon.
• Tuesday, Oct. 1: The comet will be visible again, positioned to the right of a thin, 1.5%-lit crescent moon.
• Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 3: Look for Comet A3 in the dark, pre-dawn sky with the bright star Regulus shining above it.

Annular Solar Eclipse Creates a 'Ring of Fire' Across Parts of the Southern Hemisphere

On October 2, 2024, an annular solar eclipse will occur, creating a stunning “ring of fire” effect as the moon covers most of the sun’s disk. This event will be visible from specific regions in the Southern Hemisphere, where the moon will block about 93% of the sun, leaving a fiery ring around its edge.

• Location: Southern Hemisphere, particularly from Easter Island, Chile, and Argentina
• Maximum eclipse duration: Approximately six minutes
• Viewing safety: Protective solar eclipse glasses are required for safe viewing, as it won’t get completely dark.

A New 'Mini Moon' Will Temporarily Orbit Earth for Two Months

Starting September 29, a small asteroid named 2024 PT5 will be captured in Earth’s orbit, becoming a temporary “mini moon.” This small space rock will remain in orbit for 57 days before it drifts away on November 25. However, due to its small size—about 11 metres in diameter—it won’t be visible to the naked eye.

• Visibility period: From Sept. 29 to Nov. 25
• Observation tools: Large professional telescopes, at least 30 inches in diameter, are required to see it.

Crescent Moon and Venus Will Align in the Early Evening Skies After Sunset

For those who prefer evening stargazing, next weekend presents a chance to see the crescent moon in close proximity to Venus. On October 5 and 6, the two celestial objects will shine together in the post-sunset sky, creating a beautiful sight for observers.

• Viewing time: Just after sunset on both Oct. 5 and 6
• Where to look: Look west for the best view
• Celestial arrangement: On Saturday, Oct. 5, a 6%-lit crescent moon will be located just below and to the left of Venus. On Sunday, Oct. 6, the moon will move farther left but remain near Venus.

Stronger Displays of Northern Lights Expected During the Equinox Period

As we’ve just passed the equinox on September 22, there’s a good chance of seeing more intense displays of the Northern Lights. During equinoxes, Earth’s magnetic field aligns more closely with the solar wind, which can result in stronger geomagnetic storms and vibrant aurora displays.

• Best viewing period: Late September through October 2024
• Viewing location: Look north for potential displays, especially in higher latitudes

With so many astronomical events happening this week, it's the perfect time to gaze upwards and enjoy the wonders of the night sky. From comets and solar eclipses to auroras and planets, there’s a celestial spectacle for everyone to witness.