Stargazers race to capture 'Comet of the Century'

Photographers and stargazers across the UK captured breathtaking images of Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), dubbed the "comet of the century," as it streaked across the night sky on Saturday, October 12.

Among them was Martin Cohen, who photographed the comet from Warsash Beach, Hampshire, at 19:30 BST, with large ships visible in the foreground against the twilight sky. "It was an incredible sight," Cohen said.

This rare celestial event marks the first time Comet A3 has been visible from Earth since the Neanderthal era, over 80,000 years ago. The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) had predicted that the comet might be visible to the naked eye, and many UK stargazers took the opportunity to witness it.

Arash Sefidgaran, another enthusiast, shared his excitement: "After weeks of waiting, I finally managed to capture the stunning sight of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet from London." Meryl Goulbourne also snapped a shot from the top of Butser Hill, near Clanfield, Hampshire, at 19:35.

The comet, often described as a bright streak of light on the horizon, has also been spotted in various other countries, including Spain, Italy, Uruguay, and Indonesia, since late September. On Saturday night, it was visible in the USA over Lake Murray in South Carolina.

NASA’s Earth Observatory had predicted the comet would pass within 70 million kilometers (44 million miles) of Earth on October 12. The Royal Astronomical Society has since confirmed that the comet will remain visible in the northern hemisphere until October 30.

Dr. Robert Massey of the RAS recommended that comet enthusiasts head out "immediately after sunset" to catch the best view. He advised using binoculars or a small telescope and suggested heading to higher ground with a clear view of the western horizon.

For those eager to photograph the event, Dr. Massey noted that a DSLR camera works well, but even a mobile phone held up to a telescope can capture the comet's beauty.

This comes just days after the UK was treated to another celestial spectacle—the Northern Lights—which illuminated the skies on Thursday night.

Source: BBC