Don’t miss comet that should be visible by naked eye in France this weekend
Some astronomers have called the comet’s luminosity ‘exceptional’
The comet is expected to be visible for a few days
KK.KICKIN / Shutterstock
A recently-discovered comet will pass over French skies starting from today (October 11) bringing a spectacular light show with it for multiple days.
The Tsuchinshan-Atlas comet (named after the Chinese base that identified it) was only discovered in January 2023, but its passage over France is already being hailed as the comet of the decade, and perhaps even the century.
“It is exceptional in its luminosity", said Lucie Maquet, astronomer at the Paris-PSL Observatory to BFMTV.
“There are regularly bright comets that are partially visible to the naked eye, but of this brightness, it is rare,” she added, with the last comet of a comparable strength passing over France in 1996.
It is so bright that it would be visible in the day, except currently it is too close to the sun to be distinguished.
The comet may even be visible in the French capital over the coming days, where intense light pollution usually makes such sights impossible.
It has already been visible in the southern hemisphere since September, as it makes its passage through the night sky, leading to some spectacular views, including in French overseas department Réunion.
How can I see it?
The comet should be visible for a few days, beginning tonight (October 11) around 20:00 in the Paris region (19:30 in Strasbourg, and 20:30 in Brest). It should be seen when looking west.
However, tonight it will likely only be visible to those in areas of higher altitude and little light pollution.
Chances to see the comet will greatly improve on Saturday (October 12) and Sunday (October 13), arriving in the sky around 20 minutes later each day (around 20:20 in Paris on Saturday, 20:40 on Sunday, etc).
The comet will move vertically upwards in the night sky.
It will be brightest this weekend, but should remain visible for another nine or so days.
Next weekend, when the moon is less prominent in the sky, views should also be good, but the brightness of the comet is likely to have diminished.
Although visible with the naked eye, to maximise your chances of seeing Tsuchinshan-Atlas you should find a spot with as little light pollution as possible.
Acclimatise your eyes to the dark skies, and do not use your phone unless absolutely necessary, as this will reset your vision.
Read more: Our interview with the creator of France's summer stargazing extravaganza
