How to See Rare Comet C/2023 A3 Over Bengaluru in October 2024?

This rare comet, known as Comet C/2023 A3, is going to bring a great opportunity for sky gazers in Bengaluru this October. This spectacular object was spied in 2023 and now comes back with early morning views during the early days of this month. The comet appears first at dawn on 2 October and then again at dusk on 22 October. The coming evenings until 10 October are the best time to view the first appearance.

For early risers, the best time to spot the comet would be during the pre-dawn hours. Now that its course takes it across the eastern part of the morning sky just a few hours before sunrise, prime viewing time falls on the first week of October. Several astrophotographers and enthusiasts have already sent in their vibrant photographs from all parts of the city.

What Makes This Comet Special?

Comet C/2023 A3 is a standout because its orbit is long and highly elliptical, meaning it rarely travels into the inner parts of the solar system. As an Oort Cloud object, this comet probably originated on one of the icy bodies that orbit the outermost edges of our solar system, a region from time to time launching one of their number toward the sun. One of those comets that will not come back for thousands of years, its appearance today is a onetime thing.

Visible After Sunset from Mid-October

For Bengaluru residents, the comet will again be visible: this time after sunset, from October 12. The comet will move into the western sky and, for a short time, be visible soon after the sun sets. During this phase, it will also make its closest approach to Earth, offering skypieces an even better chance to glimpse this comet with just the naked eye.

This rare sight has added another excitement to the astronomical phenomena in 2024 and is an unforgettable moment for any seasoned astronomer as well as newcomers in the search for knowledge.