WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Astro Minute: Cats & Comets A3
Episode Date: October 8, 2024Search the night skies this October for a long-tailed treat. Learn more on today's episode of Astro Minute! ...
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Welcome to the Astro Minute, where we're exploring the universe, 60 seconds out of time.
I'm Lauren Smith, and today we're looking for tales.
This October may bring a rare treat, a comet in the evening twilight.
Comet Suchenchan, Atlas, or Comet A3, orbits the sun once every 80,000 years.
It was recently viewed by Southern Hemisphere observers on its way to the sun,
survived its close solar encounter in September,
and will soon become viewable to Northern Hemisphere observers on its return to the
outer solar system. Look for comet A3 on the Western horizon just after sunset from October 12th to
the 24th. Initially, it may even be visible to the naked eye, especially its tail. David Levy once said
comets are like cats. They have tails and they do precisely what they want. Hopefully this comet
will be easily visible and display a glorious tale. That's your Astro Minute.