A comet that has been on an astonishing 81,000-year journey is finally making its presence known in our night sky! Get ready, skywatchers, as Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas—affectionately known as A3—prepares to light up our celestial sphere in just a few days. Discovered only last year, this intriguing comet has earned the title of "comet of the decade," as declared by the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI).

To put its rarity into perspective, witnessing A3 is about 1,000 times less common than seeing Halley’s Comet, which visits us every 72 to 80 years. The excitement surrounding A3 is palpable, especially with recent concerns that it was dimming on its route to Earth. However, recent observations indicate that this comet is shining brighter once again, ready to offer a spectacular display.

Remarkably, A3 exhibits unique "anomalies," which scientists are eager to study as it approaches our planet. NASA astronaut Don Pettit is even tracking the comet from the International Space Station, while fellow astronaut Matthew Dominick is on the lookout for some "really cool" images. Various astronomers around the globe, including Victor Rivera in Puerto Rico, are eagerly monitoring its progress.

How to See Comet A3

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, you’re in luck! There are two prime opportunities to catch a glimpse of Comet A3. The first will occur in the early morning of Friday, September 27, when the comet will be closest to the sun. It is expected to have a solar magnitude of 4.5—about a fifth of the sun’s brightness.

To see the comet, you'll need to rise early—about 1.5 hours before your local sunrise. Look toward the east-southeast roughly 75 minutes before dawn. A3 will be visible until Wednesday, October 2, but it will gradually sink closer to the horizon, decreasing its brightness as the days progress.

For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes, several livestreams will be available to capture the comet's ascent.

The second viewing opportunity will be even more accessible! On Saturday, October 12, the comet will reach its closest point to Earth—about 44 million miles away—roughly an hour after sunset in the western sky. Though A3 will still be visible, it will dim as October unfolds, with its best days behind it by the end of the month.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event—mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare your telescopes! Whether you're an experienced astronomer or a casual observer, Comet A3 is poised to deliver a breathtaking show. Stay tuned for more updates and happy stargazing!