Skywatchers will have a rare chance to witness a once-in-a-lifetime comet as it passes by Earth later this week, before disappearing into the vast cosmos. Known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, it was first spotted nearly two years ago by astronomers in China at the Tsuchinshan Observatory on January 9, 2023. The comet was later observed in South Africa by independent astronomers using the ATLAS telescope. Comets are celestial bodies composed of dust and ice that orbit the Sun with long, trailing tails, remnants from the formation of the solar system billions of years ago. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, like other comets, originates from the Oort Cloud, a collection of frozen debris at the outer limits of our solar system. It may take the comet around 80,000 years to complete an orbit around the Sun, but there is a possibility that it may never return. Michelle Nichols, the director of public observing at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, explained to the New York Times that as the comet moves away from the Sun, the gravitational effects of other objects could expel it from the solar system entirely. The comet will come closest to Earth on October 12, at a distance of 44 million miles. It will be most visible and brightest on the evening of October 9 due to its position relative to Earth, causing the dusty debris to reflect sunlight towards us in a phenomenon known as forward scattering. Observers might even be able to see the comet during the day if it is bright enough."The comet is a rare sight that is worth observing, according to Nichols. It will be visible to the naked eye from October 9 until the end of the month. To witness its beauty, experts recommend finding a dark location with a clear view of the western horizon. If you wish to see the comet after sunset, look towards the low sky where it has set. While it may appear faint, a telescope or binoculars can enhance the viewing experience. Although the comet may become dimmer after October 9, it will still be visible. Take this opportunity to witness the comet's beauty, as it may not be visible again in your lifetime."