If you want to see a comet passing Earth for the first time in 80,000 years, Wednesday night might be your last chance without a telescope.
This once-in-a-lifetime comet, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS), was discovered by two observatories last year, and is passing Earth right now for the first time in about 80,000 years.
The core of the comet is about a mile across, while its tail is 18 million miles long. Yes, 18 million! It is the brightest comet in nearly three decades.
While the comet is hanging around through the month, Mig Ponce, president of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, said it is fading rapidly each night and tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 16) will probably be the last time you can see it without a telescope.
Head a bit out of the city to where you have a clear view to the west without city lights in the way, and look up, above and to the right of Venus (the bright "star" to the southwest). The comet will be visible from around 7:15 p.m. until it sets about an hour later.
Binoculars will definitely help!
Interested in more stargazing? Find events and more at lvastronomy.org.
