Skywatchers Across the UK Delight in the Spectacle of Comet A3, the Comet of the Century

People across the UK have been thrilled by the “comet of the century,” Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), which made a striking appearance on Saturday night. This rare comet, visible to the naked eye, was last seen from Earth approximately 80,000 years ago, during the era of the Neanderthals.

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) had anticipated that the comet would be visible in the northern hemisphere starting that evening, prompting many stargazers to capture images of the celestial event.

Observers reported seeing the comet as a bright streak of light against the night sky, with many photos resembling torch beams on the horizon. Others depicted the comet’s trail in a manner similar to contrails left by airplanes.

Among those who successfully captured the comet was Arash Sefidgaran, who expressed his excitement after finally being able to view it after weeks of waiting. Another photographer, Meryl Goulbourne, documented the comet from Butser Hill in Hampshire, while Martin Cohen described the fleeting opportunity to see the comet as it dipped below the horizon shortly after nightfall.

The NASA Earth Observatory had predicted that the comet would pass within about 70 million kilometers (44 million miles) of Earth on Saturday. According to the RAS, the comet will remain visible in the northern hemisphere until October 30, and it was also photographed in various locations around the world, including Spain, Italy, Uruguay, and Indonesia, before its appearance in the UK.

The RAS highlighted the exceptional brightness and visibility of Comet A3, coining it the “comet of the century.” Dr. Robert Massey from the RAS advised enthusiasts to seek higher ground immediately after sunset to get the best view.

He recommended bringing binoculars and suggested avoiding areas with obstructed views of the sky. For those looking to photograph the event, he mentioned that a DSLR camera could effectively capture the comet, and a mobile phone could also be used in conjunction with a small telescope for decent shots.

In addition to the comet sighting, the UK recently experienced a display of the Northern Lights, providing skywatchers with another stunning visual treat. This combination of celestial phenomena has sparked enthusiasm and interest in astronomy, inviting more people to explore the wonders of the night sky.