How and when to see the comet of the century from Chile

After the eclipse that occurred during the National Holidays, astronomical phenomena continue their calendar this year, so corresponds to the passage of the known comet of the century .

It is the celestial body called C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) which has generated great expectations in recent times, finding itself on a trajectory that brings it closer to Earth.

Astrophysics doctor Juan Carlos Beamin explains to La Tercera that this object will be visible from the planet, provided that it can “survive its passage near the Sun and does not fragment or evaporate.”

“This comet is visible to the naked eye and will perhaps be one of the brightest of the 21st century. “, indicated the communicator who carries the podcast Let’s talk about Astronomy .

According to the expert, the so-called the comet of the century will be visible from October 10 .

“We can see it after sunset, ideally in an elevated location, facing the horizon,” says Beamin.

According to National geographic the celestial body It will reach its closest point to Earth on October 12 .

The site points out that the body is moving at 290,664 kilometers per hour and comes from one of the most distant points in the solar system. It is possible that its trajectory brings it closer to our planet for the only time .

The doctor in astrophysics confirms that no instrument is necessary to appreciate the passage of the comet.

However, it is recommended to use “binoculars or a camera, or a cell phone with a tripod and in night or manual mode “They could give us nice postcards that we will remember.”

“The beauty of comets is that because they are mostly made of ice, dust and rocks, when they approach the Sun, the ice sublimates (turns into gas) and due to the pressure exerted by the wind solar, this material forms the typical tail of comets which extend over hundreds of thousands of kilometers and that is why They are so visible in the night sky », explains the professional.