Rare Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas) Was Spotted Over The UK – See Photos!

Comet C/2023 A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-Atlas, was seen over Wimbledon shortly after sunset on Saturday. This rare comet completes an orbit around the Sun every 80,000 years, and its previous appearance dates back to when early humans began to migrate out of Africa!

Stargazers were amazed as they witnessed this ancient traveller set against the backdrop of London’s contemporary skyline. And some lucky stargazers took a photo of a comet before it disappeared from the night sky. This one by Guy Corbishley/Alamy Live News has already become viral!

When Can I See The Comet C/2023 A3 in the UK?

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas) is a long-period comet discovered in January 2023 by two observatories: Tsuchinshan in China and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii, which gave it its nickname.

Tsuchinshan-Atlas makes a close approach to the Sun in October 2024. The comet made a rare appearance, passing just 44 million miles from Earth, a “once in a lifetime” event!

Observers in the northern hemisphere had their first opportunity to see the comet between 27 September and 2 October.

A second chance occurs right now, from Saturday, 12 October, through 30 October, when the comet will be visible with binoculars or possibly even to the naked eye as it approaches the Sun.

Stargazers in different corners of the world have already shared their amazing photos of the comet and their experiences on social media.

This one by the Telegraph shows a moment the comet C/2023 A3 flies over Stonehenge.

@WxMidlands wrote on X: “The comet will be visible 45 minutes after sunset and looking to the west, Southwest u should see it, now until the end of October Comet A3 will be higher and higher in the sky.”

“Spotted what only the Neandrathals could’ve possibly witnessed the last time this was visible to our planet: Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS,” @senthsei shared his excitement via X.

@anam2fernandez shared both photo and video of the comet via her X account:

How To Take A Photo Of The Comet C/2023 A3?

Dr Robert Massey of the society told the BBC: “Comets can sometimes be underwhelming, but this one seems to follow the expected behaviour. We encourage people to go out and take a look.”

He suggested finding “good vantage points” for viewing the comet just after sunset or before sunrise.

“Just go out and enjoy it, no pressure. If the comet is easy to spot, you might even be able to take a picture with your phone — just stabilize it and point and shoot,” he added.