Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–Atlas) has been captivating skygazers in Qatar as it makes multiple appearances in the night sky. Last seen during the Neanderthal era, this comet made its closest transit past the sun on September 27, heating up and creating a glowing coma and a long tail. Surviving its solar encounter, Tsuchinshan-Atlas passed closest to Earth on October 12, becoming visible in the evening sky.
Discovered in early 2023 by astronomers in China and South Africa, the Tsuchinshan-Atlas Comet has an orbital period of 80,000 years. Dr. Bashir Marzouq, an astronomy expert at the Qatar Calendar House, described it as the brightest comet of the year, earning it the title “Comet of the Century.” The Qatar Calendar House’s observation team tracked the comet from the Al Aamriya area south of Qatar on October 16, 2024.
Navin Anand, an amateur astronomer in Qatar, encouraged the public not to miss the opportunity to observe the comet without special equipment. Many people took advantage of this chance to observe the comet from October 13 to 15. Participants in group observations described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the comet with their own eyes.
Ajith Everester, a Doha-based astrophotographer and founder of Everester Observatory, along with Navin Anand, co-founded the Qatar Astronomy and Space Club. The club aims to bring the public together to witness celestial events and promote awareness of astronomy. They have been tracking the comet since it first appeared in late September. For those interested in future celestial events, the Qatar Astronomy and Space Club can be contacted via WhatsApp.
The Tsuchinshan-Atlas Comet has been making rare appearances in the night sky over Qatar, captivating skygazers with its glowing coma and long tail. Discovered in early 2023, this comet has an orbital period of 80,000 years and was last seen during the Neanderthal era. Surviving its solar encounter, Tsuchinshan-Atlas passed closest to Earth on October 12, becoming visible in the evening sky.
Dr. Bashir Marzouq, an astronomy expert, described the comet as the brightest of the year, earning it the title “Comet of the Century.” The Qatar Calendar House’s observation team tracked the comet from the Al Aamriya area in southern Qatar on October 16, 2024. Amateur astronomer Navin Anand urged the public not to miss the opportunity to observe the comet without special equipment, as many took advantage of this rare chance from October 13 to 15.
Participants in group observations described the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the comet with their own eyes. Ajith Everester, a Doha-based astrophotographer, and founder of the Everester Observatory, along with Navin Anand, co-founded the Qatar Astronomy and Space Club to bring the public together to witness celestial events and promote awareness of astronomy. The club tracks the comet and can be contacted via WhatsApp for those interested in future celestial events.
