Two promising comets are brightening up the skies this year: Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS C/2023 A3 and Comet Lemmon C/2024 V1. In fact, both of these cosmic visitors had become very popular among astronomers and skywatchers and October 2024 may just turn out to be a very remarkable period for observing comets.
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The comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, discovered last year, will make its closest approach to the Sun in late September 2024. The conservative predictions for its brightness may be somewhat discouraging; however, according to some of the leading astronomers, it might surprise us and become as bright as Venus at its -4 magnitude around October 12-15, which would make it even visible during daylight under optimal conditions. What is particularly interesting for astronomers in this comet is its high phase angle and forward scattering, since such geometry might be very helpful when it zooms through the evening sky (Sky & Telescope ) (Spaceweather.com).
Not to be outdone, Comet Lemmon is also making an appearance. Due to reach its peak brightness around the same time, this is another good opportunity for comet enthusiasts to see a brilliant display from a comet. Put together, these two comets are providing an unrivaled display-a bit like when Comet McNaught was seen in daylight, which incredibly brightened the sky back in 2007 (Spaceweather.com).
This coming October might be a good time to see two comets together in the sky for sky observers in the Northern Hemisphere, something that happens pretty rarely. With a bit of luck, clear skies, and perhaps binoculars, these comets should display spectacular views.
Be prepared for this celestial display by having your eyes on the western horizon during twilight in mid-October, and stand by for updates, as cometary brightness is often very difficult to predict but sometimes spectacular.
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