How and when to see comet C/2023 A3 from Spain, one of the brightest in the last 100 years

Spain is preparing for one of the astronomical events of the century that will occur in the coming weeks. In October, one of the brightest stars recorded in the last 100 years will pass through the country: comet C/2023 A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS among the scientific community.

The comet is formed from remains that survived the process of formation of the planetary system and have been moving through the Oort Cloud for millions of years. If it survives the remainder of September, it will pass close to Earth and will be visible to the naked eye from both hemispheres.

C/2023 A3 was located almost a light-year from the Sun, beyond the orbit of Neptune. This is one of the so-called “non-periodic” comets, so it will probably only come close to Earth once. Other comets, such as the famous Halley’s Comet, return to the planet every 75 years.

The comet was discovered in early 2023 and its existence was confirmed by the ATLAS system, to which it owes its second name. This formation It is covered in ice and the particles glow when sunlight reflects off them.The closer it gets to the star in the Solar System, the brighter C/2023 A3 will be in the sky.

When and where to see the comet in Spain

Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will experience a key moment on September 27. The comet will come so close to the Sun that it may disintegrate. If it survives, The days when it will be best observed from Earth will be October 12 and 13.

A list compiled by National Geographic It shows the best places in Spain from which you can observe what some astronomers have described as the “comet of the century”.

The region of Pine forests (Soria) has clear, dark skies, and an altitude and topography that have allowed the creation of natural viewing points. Some of the strategic points are the Mirador de la Galiana, the Laguna Negra or the Cañón del Río Lobos. The Gredos Regional Park has similar characteristics.

The Bull (Menorca) is a protected area with the Reserve rating Starlightthe region with the lowest average altitude of the towns on the list. The island offers panoramic views of the sky from capes such as Punta Nati or Cavalleria, or from the highest point on Monte Toro.

Ager (Lleida) takes advantage of the surroundings of the Montsec mountain range and has an observatory that takes advantage of the low light pollution in the area. Roque de los Muchachos (Canary Islands) has the most famous Spanish observatory located on the highest peak of the mountain. The Palm with natural viewing points and balconies from which you can observe the comet.

Gudar Javalambre It is another of the places in Spain with the least light pollution to see the comet C/2023 A3 with towns surrounded by mountains. Corralejo (Fuerteventura) is a completely opposite landscape with beaches and more arid terrain, but also with little pollution because it is one of the northernmost points of the island.

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Tags: NASA, Spain