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80,000 Years of Waiting: Don't Miss Your Chance to See Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

Fun Fact: If you catch a glimpse of this comet today, you’ll get a special treat: a reincarnation in 80,000 years to see it again! But if you miss out? Well, then you might just find yourself stuck working for the same manager, dealing with the same office drama, and struggling to make those monthly payments in your next life—yikes! Talk about a cosmic incentive to get outside and stargaze! 😂 LOL..

Background: On February 22, 2023, a fascinating new visitor to our solar system was discovered: Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). This comet has an intriguing story, as it was first spotted in January 2023 by astronomers at the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China. Because both the Tsuchinshan Observatory and the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) group played a role in its discovery, the comet's name reflects both locations. (Source Social Media, Google and Astro News).

Initially, this comet was all about east vibes, but then it decided to switch things up and flaunt itself on the west side. Talk about flexibility! It’s like that friend who always finds a way to show up to the party no matter where it is. And guess what? I am totally here for it!

But wait, the excitement does not stop there! Experts predict that around September and October 2024, Comet C/2023 A3 might become bright enough to see with the naked eye. Just a heads-up, though—if you’re in downtown and trying to catch a glimpse from your window while lounging on the couch, you might be out of luck. However, if you are willing to get off your butt and move a little at least to your backyard, bring a phone with at least a 10-second exposure feature, and you could snag some epic shots!

This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers, stargazers, and anyone with a curious mind. Spotting this comet will be as exciting as finding a bright star or a planet in the night sky—an experience you won’t want to miss!

And here’s the kicker: this comet is dubbed the "Comet of the Century." Why? Because after this show, it won’t be back for a jaw-dropping 80,000 years! So, unless you plan to become a time traveler, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it. Don’t let this cosmic spectacle slip through your fingers—mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night!

Capturing the Moment

(October 16th, 2024)

At first, I attempted to capture the comet from Coppell, Texas, but I wasn't able to get a shot with my phone on October 15th. Later, I had the privilege of capturing this celestial event on October 16, 2024, from my friend’s backyard in Prosper, Texas.

Comet C/2023 A3: "A stunning view of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) glowing brightly in the night sky, surrounded by a field of stars."

A serene backyard in Prosper, Texas, featuring a tree and a Red-tailed Hawk perched on a branch, with the night sky visible above.

A composite image showcasing Comet C/2023 A3 alongside a Red-tailed Hawk in a beautiful Texas backyard, capturing the magic of the cosmos.

The setting was perfect, featuring a beautiful tree that added a touch of drama to the scene. To my delight, a majestic Red-tailed Hawk perched on one of the branches, creating a stunning focal point in my composition. I decided to create a composite image that combined the comet and the Red-tailed Hawk, blending the natural beauty of our planet with the cosmic marvel overhead. It was a moment I won’t soon forget, highlighting the connection between Earth and the vast universe beyond.

October 19th, 2024

We set out to explore Turner Falls, but had to turn back when we discovered it was closed. Fortunately, it was sunset, and I was eagerly anticipating the appearance of comet C/2023 A3. A few fellow photography enthusiasts joined me, and we had a fantastic conversation while I shared my experiences capturing the comet on October 16th. As the sun sank below the horizon, the low light pollution made the Milky Way shine brilliantly. The windmills and high-tension electrical towers provided intriguing foreground elements for my shots. Here are a few more images of the comet alongside the Milky Way, taken at the Turner Falls waterfall on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma.

How to Capture the Comet:

Set Up Your Gear: Use a telephoto lens (preferably) or a recent mobile phone that can handle a 10-second exposure. Place it on a sturdy tripod.
Wait for the Right Moment: Allow 25-30 minutes after sunset for optimal conditions.
Position Your Camera: Since the comet is currently appearing on the west side, point your camera equipment in that direction.
Use a Timer: Set a 2-second timer to prevent any shake when you take the shot.
Experiment: Try different exposures and ISO settings, but keep the aperture above f/4.5. Make sure your camera is in manual mode with manual focus.
Use Apps: Utilize Star Walk or other astrophotography apps to locate the comet, then snap your photo. Below are my settings for reference: