Following the recent appearance of the rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas and a display 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 passed by our planet, an event that occurs only once every 80,000 years, truly bizarre. But this time, star enthusiasts won’t have to wait that long for a new observation. At the end of October, comet C/2024 S1 (Atlas) may come into view.
This comet, originating from the Oort Cloud, has the potential to provide an impressive light show. There’s even speculation that C/2024 S1 could be brighter than Venus, the most radiant planet in our solar system. However, as is often the case with comets, the situation remains unpredictable – there’s a chance the comet might disintegrate before becoming clearly visible.
Can You See the Comet with a Telescope?
While comet C/2024 S1 “may” be visible to the naked eye (though it will be challenging and you’ll need perfect conditions), a telescope offers the opportunity to view this comet in more detail. For enthusiastic stargazers, using a telescope like the Finder TW2 or StellarVision can provide a unique viewing experience, making details of the comet’s tail and nucleus more visible. Use a telescope with good light gathering power and stability to optimally enjoy this rare celestial body.
When and where to Watch Comet C/2024 S1?
Comet C/2024 S1 reaches its perihelion – the point where it comes closest to the sun – on October 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 October 28, with the best visibility likely occurring a few days after perihelion.
To find C/2024 S1 more easily, you can use stargazing apps like Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2. This makes locating the comet much simpler.
Keep an Eye on the Sky for this Rare Appearance
The arrival of comet C/2024 S1 (Atlas) is special, as this could be the first and last time this comet passes by our Earth. At least for as long as we and our descendants will live… It will be an exciting moment for both beginner and experienced stargazers. So make sure you’re ready to witness this unique event in the night sky! Keep an eye on our website as we will certainly post an update about this.
