GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — This year has seen no shortage of amazing astronomical events, the latest being a comet visible in the October night sky.

The A3 Comet, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), has been within spotting distance since Oct. 12 and will continue to be so until Oct. 24 if the weather stays clear.


Andrew Graham,
Wayland
Nick Damico,
Jenison
Rick Kamstra,
Hudsonville

For the best chance at seeing Comet 2023/A3, wait 40 minutes after sunset and turn your attention to the west. The comet will have a fuzzy tail streaking behind it. The planet Venus will be much brighter in the night sky. Experts say you can use Venus to help find the comet. Find bright Venus and turn your attention even further west to find A3.

The comet will be gaining height in the night sky from now through the 24th, becoming fainter each day as it slides further away from planet Earth. Remember, the comet won’t streak like a shooting star. It will appear relatively stationary to someone spotting it with binoculars.

Skies will be favorable for spotting the comet this week in West Michigan. Thursday might be challenging due to the additional light contamination from the full Harvest Moon, which will also be a Supermoon.