There’s something streaking through the sky right now that isn’t a UFO or your ex’s latest drama—it’s Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Yes, you heard that right. We’re getting treated to a once-in-many-lifetimes event, and if you live in Northern Colorado, you’ve got a front-row seat. This thing hasn’t been spotted for 80,000 years, so unless you’ve been cryogenically frozen since the Stone Age, this is your only shot to see it.
When and Where to See It
You can catch Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in Northern Colorado’s sky from now until around October 21, 2024, with the best viewing times just after sunset between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. As the days pass, the comet will dim but remain visible higher in the night sky (Vail Daily) (KUNC). You’ll want to look west, where the comet is hanging out between Venus (that bright “star” you see at dusk) and Arcturus, another particularly shiny guy in the sky. The comet is visible with the naked eye, but if you really want to geek out and impress your neighbors, grab some binoculars or a telescope. Trust me, this thing is big. Its tail alone is a whopping 18 million miles long (Vail Daily). Yes, million. It’s the interstellar equivalent of that neighbor who doesn’t mow his yard—just taking up space.
The Discovery: A Tale of Two Observatories
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3) was discovered just last year in 2023, jointly credited to two observatories: China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory, or “Purple Mountain” (doesn’t that sound poetic?), and the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in South Africa (Earth Observatory). It’s like the observatories teamed up across continents to bring us this celestial visitor, which probably hasn’t been around since we were still figuring out how to make fire.
How Rare is It?
To put it into perspective, 80,000 years ago, humans were still hanging out in caves, painting on walls, and figuring out which berries wouldn’t kill them. This comet has been cruising through the far reaches of the solar system ever since, making this its first stop near Earth in recorded history. It’s so rare that we won’t be seeing it again, unless you’re part of some secret immortality project. Once it zips past us, it’s likely headed straight out of the solar system, never to return. If that doesn’t give you a sense of urgency to get outside and look, I don’t know what will (KUNC).
Comets You Can See with the Naked Eye: Not as Common as You Think
So, just how often do comets like this come around? In the past 300 years, only a handful of comets have been bright enough to be seen without a telescope. The last one that really got people buzzing was Comet NEOWISE in 2020, which was visible to the naked eye for about a month (Vail Daily). Before that, Hale-Bopp made a spectacular appearance in 1997, sticking around for a good 18 months (Vail Daily) (KUNC). And of course, everyone knows about Halley’s Comet, which swings by every 76 years like clockwork, last making its appearance in 1986.
But Halley’s and Hale-Bopp are regulars compared to Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Halley’s is predictable, showing up for its 76-year run, like your uncle who always crashes your BBQ. Hale-Bopp, with its 2,500-year orbit, is rare but not “this-will-never-happen-again” rare. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, on the other hand, is the rockstar with a one-time-only, once-in-an-eternity tour. You won’t catch it again unless you’ve got plans to reincarnate as a human 80,000 years from now.
What Did the Ancients Think About This?
Speaking of comets that only show up every few millennia, you might wonder what ancient civilizations thought when they saw these fiery sky travelers. Let’s just say they weren’t exactly looking up and saying, “Oh cool, a comet.” More like, “Oh no, the gods are angry, and we’re all doomed.” Comets were often seen as omens—of bad weather, wars, plagues, and general bad vibes. If you were a king and a comet appeared, you’d probably go consult your local soothsayer to figure out which goat to sacrifice.
For example, when Halley’s Comet showed up in 1066, it was seen as a sign that King Harold of England was about to have a very bad time—which he did, losing the Battle of Hastings to William the Conqueror. Similarly, in ancient China, comets were sometimes referred to as “broom stars,” sweeping away the old order (and sometimes the old rulers). So, yeah, people didn’t exactly have the fondest views of these celestial visitors (Earth Observatory).
Superstitions and Modern-Day Fun
Nowadays, we’ve thankfully ditched most of the doomsday theories—though I’m sure someone out there is on the internet claiming Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a sign of the apocalypse. Don’t listen to them. Comets, while rare, are just big dirty snowballs of ice, rock, and dust making their way through space. But they do inspire a certain awe, reminding us just how small we are in the grand scheme of things. So maybe you won’t find an ancient king blaming his troubles on the comet this time, but you can still stand outside and gaze up, appreciating the sheer scale of this 4.5-billion-year-old snowball lighting up the night sky.
The Next Opportunity?
Missed this comet? Don’t worry, there will be other chances. The next really big comet show will likely be in 2061 when Halley’s Comet comes back around. That’s right, Halley’s will return just in time to remind you that, yes, you’re getting older. But if you want to see something sooner, you’ll need some luck. Comet orbits are unpredictable, and it’s rare to get one as bright as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS that’s visible without special equipment. Most of the time, you’ll need a telescope for any decent comet viewing.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss It
In short, grab a blanket, head outside, and take in Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS while you can. You don’t need to be a stargazer to appreciate the rarity of this event. It’s a bit like watching a meteor shower, except instead of streaking by in seconds, this one’s sticking around for a few days. Just remember, next time someone says, “Look, a comet!” don’t tell them, “I’ll catch the next one.” You won’t. Unless you’re planning to live another 80,000 years. So go out and make some memories!
