Exciting October Sky Events: Two Comets and a Meteor Shower Set to Dazzle San Antonio!

Exciting Skies Await San Antonio This October!

Hey there, San Antonio! Are you ready to be dazzled by some fantastic celestial events this month? October is shaping up to be quite the spectacle as not one, but two comets are set to light up our night sky. That’s right—it’s your chance to play an amateur astronomer and catch these rare cosmic visitors!

A Shining Star: Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS

First up, we have the Tsuchinshan–ATLAS comet, which made its debut in our evening skies starting October 9. Trust us when we say this cosmic wonder is not one you want to miss! It reached its peak visibility on October 12, appearing as a beautiful sight that was just a stone’s throw away—a mere 80,000 years since its last closest approach to Earth!

If you’re wondering when to look up, experts suggest keeping an eye on the western horizon right after sunset. Expect to spot the comet appearing near the constellation Virgo. It should be eye-catching in the western sky as it climbs higher night by night. For the best viewing experience, plan your sky-gazing activities between October 10-12, though the comet will be visible up until around October 24, albeit fading as the days roll on.

Dr. Aarran Shaw, a director at Holcomb Observatory, highlighted this special moment by saying, “At this time, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS should be visible in the West just after sunset, and it will get higher in the sky with each passing day until it becomes too faint for us to see.” He’s pretty excited about how this comet could shine distinctly bright in our skies, calling it a likely candidate for the “comet of the century”!

Spotting Tips

So, how do you spot this comet? According to astro experts, you’ll want to look for a clear view of the western horizon where Venus and the bright star Arcturus can help guide your eyes. It’s like a cosmic treasure hunt! The comet will appear low in the sky—about 4-8 degrees above the horizon—and align with the diagonal between those two bright lights.

And There’s Another! Comet C/2024 S1

But wait, there’s more! The second comet gracing our skies this month is the C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), which is also set for a close visit around October 24. Although this comet is still a bit of a mystery, initial images have shown a unique green glow that could make it a captivating sight. This comet, too, is expected to reach peak visibility between October 24-28, adding even more excitement to the starry nights ahead!

Observers believe that C/2024 S1 might not have been near the sun for centuries, so it’s quite the adventure to see it so close. Just like its companion, expect to catch glimpses with the naked eye, making October truly special for stargazers.

Let’s Not Forget the Draconid Meteor Shower!

As if that weren’t enough, just before all these comet events, skywatchers were treated to the Draconid meteor shower, which lit up the sky on October 7-8. Following that cosmic shower, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for our guest comets that promise to make for a fabulous month of stargazing!

So, grab your friends or family, head outside during the evenings, and prepare to be amazed. October is truly a fantastic time for San Antonio residents and sky enthusiasts around the world. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime celestial show!