After the recent appearance of the rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas and a show of the northern lights, the end of the month offers another chance to admire an impressive comet in the Netherlands and Belgium.
A new spectacle: C/2024 S1 (Atlas)
In mid-October, the extraordinary comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas shot past our planet, an event that occurs only once every 80,000 years, truly bizarre. But star lovers won't have to wait so long for another sighting this time. Comet C/2024 S1 (Atlas) may come into view in late October.
This comet, from the Oort cloud, has the potential to put on an impressive light show. There is even speculation that C/2024 S1 could be brighter than Venus, the most luminous planet in our solar system. However, as is often the case with comets, the situation remains unpredictable - there is a chance that the comet will disintegrate before it is properly visible.
Can you see the comet with A telescope?
Although comet C/2024 S1 “can” be visible with the naked eye (it will be tricky though and you will need to be able to be under the perfect conditions), a telescope offers the opportunity to view this comet in more detail. For avid stargazers, using a telescope such as the Finder TW2 or StellarVision provide a unique viewing experience, with details of the comet's tail and nucleus becoming more visible. Use a telescope with good brightness and stability to fully enjoy this rare celestial body.
When and where do you look at comet C/2024 S1?
Comet C/2024 S1 reaches its perihelion - the point at which it comes closest to the sun - on Oct. 28. This moment marks an opportunity for viewers in the southern hemisphere to best enjoy this phenomenon. For us, in the Netherlands and Belgium, the comet may appear in the sky after Oct. 28, with several days after perihelion likely offering the best visibility.
To find C/2024 S1 more easily, you can use stargazing apps such as Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2, which will make locating the comet much easier.
Keep an eye on the sky For this rare appearance
The arrival of comet C/2024 S1 (Atlas) is special, because this may well be the first and last time this comet will skim past our Earth. At least, as long as we and our ancestors will be alive that is... It will be an exciting moment for novice and experienced stargazers alike. So be ready to witness this unique event in the night sky! Keep an eye on our website as we will be sure to post about it.
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