Earthlings have been treated to a rare comet sighting the past few days. Comet C/2023 A3, better known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, has been visible in the early evening sky since early October 2024. Sky watchers across the globe have gathered each evening to try to catch a view of this “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

So What’s a Comet?

Comets are objects that are leftover from the early days of the solar system. They are made out of dust, rock, and ices. Most comets are found in the Oort Cloud, which is the most distant region of the solar system, and have highly eccentric orbits. Comets are typically only discovered as they approach the inner solar system in their orbit. Most comets are very small and range from a few meters wide to a few miles.

When comets approach the Sun, the ices and dust heat up and form the visible comet tail. Comet tails are the ice and dust particles spewing out behind the comet itself, which creates an exciting spectacle when it is visible from Earth. A comet’s visibility depends on a few factors: the distance from the comet to Earth, the size of the comet, and how fast the comet is moving around the Sun.

While comets may look like meteors (otherwise known as shooting stars), they are NOT the same thing! Comets are celestial objects that orbit the Sun, while shooting stars are tiny specks of debris falling to Earth that burn up in the atmosphere.

How to Find Comet C/2023 A3

If you have a clear view of the horizon, the comet will appear just south of due west in most of the United States. Comets usually look like faint smudges in the sky, and this one is no different. Many reports have noted it appears about 45 minutes after sunset in the west. If it is not visible in the sky, a spotting scope, telephoto lens, or small telescope will do the job of finding this object. Comet C/2023 A3 will be visible in the sky for a few weeks, so if you’ve missed it from your location, there is still time!

For finder charts and orbital information on Comet C/2023 A3, check out The Sky Live website. Be sure to set the page from your location to learn how to view this rare sight!