Comet C/2023 A3, known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is set to make a rare appearance in Earth's skies. This celestial visitor hasn't been visible for around 80,000 years, making its return an exciting event for astronomers and skywatchers alike. The comet will be visible in the early morning hours, from Friday to Monday, offering a fleeting glimpse of its star-like form.

A rare celestial sight

Astronaut Matthew Dominick, aboard the International Space Station, recently captured video footage of the comet. He described it as looking like a “fuzzy star” from the station's cupola windows. Using a 200mm lens, Dominick hinted that as the comet gets closer to the Sun, it will provide some incredible images.

What to expect in the sky

Amateur astronomer Stuart Atkinson shared that the comet will appear beneath the Moon, low in the eastern sky. He advised using binoculars for the best view, as it may be difficult to spot with the naked eye. Atkinson described the comet as a "fuzzy star with a misty tail."

Key dates for comet viewing

According to BBC Sky at Night Magazine, Comet C/2023 A3 will reach its closest point to the Sun on 28 September 2024. By late September, it could shine as bright as magnitude +0.6, visible just before sunrise. October 10 offers another viewing opportunity when the comet moves into the evening sky, predicted to still glow at magnitude +0.8.

This once-in-a-lifetime event offers a chance to witness a comet that has travelled through space for millennia before returning to Earth's skies.