The Tsuchinshan Atlas Comet or C/2023 A3 has already been visible in China and South Africa for the past few weeks. The first images promise a special celestial spectacle. It will probably be visible to the naked eye in Europe on October 12. The comet is named after the telescope that first discovered it.

Various observatories in Lower Austria are dedicated to this unique landscape. Starting October 12, the Martinsberg Astronomical Center (AZM) offers club members the opportunity to observe comets with the appropriate equipment. It will be open to outsiders on October 20 and 22 from 6:15 PM onwards.

The comet approaches the Sun

AZM head Michael Jäger tells noe.ORF.at that the comet must continue to gain altitude and thus approach the Sun. The reflection of the sun usually makes it more visible. According to Jagger, the exact composition of the individual comet also plays a role.

Jagger says whether a celestial body will actually be seen depends largely on weather conditions. However, visibility gradually improves as the week progresses. The best observing conditions are expected on October 19 and 20.

There will be guided tours at the Hohenberg Observatory (Gmünd district) from 26 October 7 pm to 6 pm November 2. You don’t need a telescope to observe a comet, or a telescope should be enough, says Hermann Lahofer, Comet founder and president.