Exciting October for Stargazers

October promises to be an exciting month for stargazers, even though residents of Sechelt may miss out on some astronomical events. Notably, the moon will be putting on quite a show by occulting several solar system objects, including an annular eclipse on October 2, and making close passes to Antares on October 7, Saturn on October 14, and Neptune on October 15. However, the highlight for local astronomers will be witnessing the largest full moon of the year on the early morning of October 17.

The Arrival of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

But here's the cherry on top! Prepare your telescopes and binoculars because a new comet, C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is making its grand entrance! Discovered earlier this year, this comet hails from the Oort Cloud, a mysterious region filled with icy remnants from the solar system's formation, located far beyond the reach of the planets we know. As it travels towards the sun, the comet will reach its perihelion on September 27, getting as close as 0.39 AU, roughly the same distance as that of Mercury from our sun. This superb close passage is expected to unveil a dazzling display of gas and dust—potentially leading to a bright naked-eye comet visible even in daylight!

Expectations and Comparisons

In a thrilling twist, some astronomers speculate that C/2023 A3 could mirror the stunning appearances of previous bright comets such as Hale-Bopp in 1997 and McNaught in 2007. However, like all comets, its behavior is unpredictable, making it an alluring object for observation. With its approach from the Oort Cloud, this comet is likely carrying an abundance of surface ice and volatile materials—setting the stage for an exhilarating cosmic show!

Visibility and Observation Tips

As the month progresses, you can look for C/2023 A3 in the western sky after sunset, becoming increasingly visible starting around October 10. Its closest approach to Earth will occur on October 12, after which it will appear to move upwards and to the left in the sky. Keep an eye on Venus, which will be positioned about 5 degrees above the horizon in the southwest. By the end of October, the comet is expected to rise to about 30 degrees above the horizon, creating a stunning celestial tableau with Venus.

Orionid Meteor Shower and Community Events

In addition to the comet, don’t miss the peak of the Orionid meteor shower on October 21! This meteor shower, originating from Comet Halley, typically gets viewers excited with its fast meteors—traveling at over 60 km per second! The best viewing experience usually occurs after midnight, with the radiant point located just above and to the left of Betelgeuse, the iconic star in Orion.

Stay Updated

To keep up with the latest cosmic happenings, including the T Corona Borealis nova expected in the coming months, visit spaceweather.com for daily updates. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a community event, mark your calendars for the next SCAC monthly meeting at the Sechelt Library on October 4, where Bryan Elliott from the Vancouver center of the RASC will share insights on the breathtaking dark skies of Pitcairn Island.

Conclusion

Prepare for a magical month ahead under the Sechelt skies!