With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
To see the brightest comet since 2006, hit the beach this month
This image of C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was captured last month.
(
Courtesy NASA/Matthew Dominick
)
Topline:
The brightest comet visible from Earth since 2006, C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, should be making an appearance around twilight from Oct 12 until the end of the month.
Our vantage point: The West Coast is actually a prime viewing site — once you get away from all the light pollution, that is. Bill Cooke, the lead for NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, recommended going to the darkest spot you can find to see the comet. Basically, as Cooke said, “downtown L.A. isn’t going to cut it.”
Hit the beach: Since the asteroid will be visible on the low western horizon, Cooke recommended scoping out a spot on the beach as far away from artificial light as possible. Binoculars or even a telescope will help you spot the comet.
Support for LAist comes from
What to watch out for: As long as there is no cloud cover, the comet will start to be visible around 45 minutes after sunset. The general area to look is near the constellation Virgo in the low western skies. And if there are clouds in the forecast, try heading out another night: Remember, we have all month.
If you can’t make it to the beach: The Griffith Observatory told LAist they don’t have any special events planned for this comet, but they’ll still bring their telescopes out for their regular nighttime viewings between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Pro tip: Sunset is at 6:22 p.m. Saturday, so the comet will likely be visible soon after the viewing starts.
About the comet: The comet was only discovered last year, and the last time it approached Earth was during the Paleolithic period. It’s the brightest comet visible in our skies since 2006, and NASA currently has no projections for when another comet as bright as this one will pass by. Even though it will likely fade to the naked eye around Halloween, the comet will still be visible for another few months on professional telescopes.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist