Rare Comet to Be Visible in Wyoming Skies Starting Wednesday Night

A once-in-a-lifetime comet, known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is set to appear in the night sky beginning Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Oil City News reports.

This comet, which has not been seen by Earth for approximately 80,000 years, will reach its closest approach to Earth during this time before it journeys back into the depths of space.

According to the New York Times, this event presents a unique opportunity for observers, as it is unlikely that humanity will see the comet again for another 80,000 years unless it is ejected from the solar system. The comet should be visible to the naked eye, as well as through binoculars and telescopes.

“This one is, I would say, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… This comet is for everyone,” stated Gianluca Masi, scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project, as quoted in the Times.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is essentially a frozen remnant from the early solar system. As it approaches the sun, the heat causes the ice to melt, releasing debris that forms the comet’s tail, which becomes visible from Earth when sunlight reflects off it.

Currently located about 44 million miles from Earth, the comet should be easily observable under clear skies. While it will be visible from both hemispheres, observers in the Southern Hemisphere are expected to have the best initial view. Experts recommend finding a dark location and watching the western horizon as night falls to catch a glimpse of the comet, which is anticipated to remain visible for several days, though it may appear dimmer each night.

The National Weather Service in Riverton forecasts clear skies across most of Wyoming this week, although some haze and smoke from nearby wildfires may affect visibility in central parts of the state.