Hello, San Antonio!
Great news for all the stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts out there! From October 11 to 18, a marvelous celestial visitor is making its way across our night sky. It’s a comet, and you’ll have the chance to see it right here in San Antonio!
Mark Your Calendars!
The comet, known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is set to make its debut on the evening of October 11. If you head outside at dusk, you might just spot this fascinating phenomenon. Keep in mind, though, that the first sighting could be a bit tricky. It will appear low on the horizon, so you might need to look carefully. But no worries! Each evening, it will climb higher into the sky, and by next week, you’ll have the best viewing experience!
Viewing Times and Tips
So, when exactly should you look up? The comet will only be visible for a short window of time each evening, roughly 40 minutes after sunset. For our area, this means you should be outside between 7:40 PM and 8:00 PM. To get the most out of your viewing experience, find a nice open area away from all the bright city lights. It’s best to sit back and enjoy nature as you gaze into the sky!
Finding the Comet
Now, where should you look? Start by turning your gaze towards the western horizon. You’ll want to locate Venus first, which should look like a bright star. Once you’ve found Venus, here’s a nifty tip: extend your left arm in front of you with a closed fist. The comet should be about two and a half fist lengths to the right of Venus. If you spot it, it should appear as a hazy star with a tiny tail trailing behind! For even better visibility, grab some binoculars – they’re perfect for looking at the actual comet details, unlike during a solar eclipse, which requires more caution.
What’s the Buzz About Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?
Now you might be wondering what exactly this magnificent comet is all about. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was discovered independently by two teams of astronomers last year—one in China at the Purple Mountain Observatory and the other in South Africa as part of the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Essentially, this comet is a big chunk of dirty ice zipping through space and coming within 44 million miles of Earth!
As it gets closer to the sun, the heat causes the ice to evaporate, creating a beautiful haze of dust and gases that we see in the twilight. It’s like nature’s own magic trick, revealing the splendor of the universe before our very eyes!
Conclusion
So, gather your loved ones, grab some snacks, and come out to experience this spectacular astronomy event together! Remember, it all kicks off tonight, and it will be a lovely week filled with celestial wonder in San Antonio. Don’t miss your chance to witness something spectacular from the comfort of your backyard!
Happy stargazing!
