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There is a possibility that the “Halloween” comet will become visible tonight, with the possibility of it also being seen during the day if it does not break up as it approaches the sun, according to NASA.
Another comet, Comet Tsuchenshan-Atlas, was seen last week.
Basic facts
Astronomers in Hawaii discovered comet C/2024 S1, also known as Comet Atlas, on September 27, and it is expected to become visible with the naked eye starting Thursday evening. According to To NASA.
Comet Atlas is likely part of the Great Comet of 1106 — a comet recorded by astronomers in Asia nearly 918 years ago — and is likely from the Oort Cloud, a “giant spherical shell” that NASA believes is made of icy chunks of ice. . Space debris “is the size of mountains and sometimes larger.”
Gordon Johnston, former program executive at NASA, He said It is not known whether the comet will again become visible from Earth, with it indicated that it will reach a point so close to the sun that sunlight may cause it to “refract and evaporate.”
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Where can I see the comet?
Comet ATLAS will be visible on the horizon to the east-southeast, according to Johnston, who suggests an object blocking the sun, if sighted, as the comet would likely be nearby. Johnston also recommends using binoculars or a telescope to view the comet when it is visible at night, although he suggests not using either instrument when it is visible during the day because sunlight can be blinding.
When can I see the comet?
NASA expected Comet ATLAS will reach its closest approach to Earth on October 24, making its closest approach to the Sun on October 28, where it will likely be visible just before sunrise. But before that, Johnston said the comet will only be visible after sunset using binoculars or a telescope. If the comet does not break apart before October 28, it should also be visible between November 2 and December 19 as it moves away from the Sun.
Main background
Other celestial events have been seen from the United States in recent weeks, including another comet that, according to NASA estimates, will not be seen for another 80,000 years. This comet, Comet Tsuchenshan-Atlas, first became visible on October 14, and will likely remain in the night sky until October 24, when it will gradually rise and lose brightness before disappearing in early November, according to NASA. The largest supermoon of the year also appeared this week — appearing 14 percent larger than a typical full moon — and the aurora borealis became increasingly visible in the northern United States amid increased activity on the sun’s surface. NASA expects more meteor and comet showers to appear throughout the winter, including northern and southern eruptions. Meteor showers Next month, among others.
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