An Ill Omen!

They say that throughout history, comets have often been viewed as harbingers of bad news or ominous events.

Let us hope that it isn't true! Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible in the southern sky.

Rare comet may be visible to naked eye. Here's where to look.

WBZ

By Neal Riley

October 12, 2024

It isn't often that we get the chance to see a comet with the naked eye. But, in a year already filled with so many astronomical treats, it looks like we will be able to add a comet to the list.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has an 80,000 year orbit and, it just so happens, that it is now approaching its closest pass to Earth.  On Wednesday, the comet made its closest approach to our sun and on Saturday, October 12 at 11:39 a.m. it will be just 43,911,824 miles from Earth (its closest pass). At that time, the comet's tail will essentially be pointing right at Earth. However, in the days to follow, the tail will pivot eastward, making for dramatic changes in viewing from night to night.

The comet is massive in size and length. Its head currently measures a whopping two miles in diameter. The tail, which is largely comprised of tiny pieces of ice and dust, is believed to be as long as 18 million miles.

C/2023 A3 was briefly and barely visible last week in the early morning sky. In the end, most folks were unable to see it as it was very faint and low to the horizon.

Let us hope that it is a harbingers of bad news for Trump!