Skywatchers will have a rare opportunity to witness a once-in-a-lifetime comet as it passes by Earth later this week before disappearing into the vast expanse of the cosmos. Known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, this comet was first observed by astronomers at the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China on January 9, 2023, and later confirmed by observers in South Africa using the ATLAS telescope. Comets, which are icy bodies that orbit the Sun and leave long tails, are remnants from the formation of the solar system billions of years ago. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, like other comets, originates from the Oort Cloud on the outer edge of the solar system and may not return for thousands of years, or possibly be expelled from the solar system entirely due to gravitational influences from other objects.

The closest approach of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS to Earth is expected on October 12, at a distance of 44 million miles, with its brightest appearance anticipated on the evening of October 9 when the dusty debris surrounding the comet scatters sunlight towards Earth, creating a brilliant shine. This phenomenon, known as forward scattering, may make the comet visible even during daylight hours under the right conditions.

To catch a glimpse of this spectacular celestial event, observers are encouraged to look towards the skies on the specified dates, as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS presents a rare and dazzling sight that may not be witnessed again for a long time."Nichols described the comet as a rare sight that is definitely worth observing. The comet will be visible to the naked eye starting from October 9 until the end of the month. To get the best view, experts recommend heading to a dark location and looking towards the western horizon. If you want to see the comet after sunset, you can find it low in the sky near the location where the sun has set. Although it may appear faint at this time, using a telescope or binoculars can enhance the viewing experience. The comet is expected to lose some brightness after October 9 but will still be visible. Make sure not to miss this opportunity to witness the beauty of the comet, as it may not be visible again in your lifetime."