Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS sighted over Oman’s skies

Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS spotted in Oman’s skies

Muscat: The Omani Astronomical Society (OAS) has observed the comet “Tsushishan-Atlas C/2023 A3”, which is one of the celestial bodies that has attracted the attention of astronomers.

This observation comes as part of the association’s efforts to enhance astronomical awareness and contribute to monitoring and tracking global astronomical phenomena.

Regarding this phenomenon, astronomer Issam bin Ali Al-Salhi, a member of the association, told the Oman News Agency: Comet “Tsushinshan-Atlas C/2023 A3” was discovered on February 22, 2023 by the Asteroid Impact Alert System (ATLAS), and it was later noted that its orbit and location readings were consistent with what was observed by the Purple Mountain Observatory (Tsushinshan) in China in January of the same year, so it was named after both of its discoverers in their honor.

He added: “The comet can be seen before sunrise using binoculars and astronomical telescopes until October 8, then it will reappear on the western horizon after sunset on October 10, and as the days pass it will rise above the horizon until it gradually disappears from observers at the end of the month.”

He explained that the comet “Tsushinshan-Atlas C/2023 A3” comes from the Oort Cloud surrounding the solar system, which includes millions of comets, and the comet revolves in an orbit of approximately 80 thousand years. A number of astronomy enthusiasts from the Omani Astronomical Society were able to observe and photograph the comet from several locations.

Astronomer Qassim bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Deputy Chairman of the Meteorology and Astronomy Photography Committee at the Omani Astronomical Society, said: “It was an opportunity to observe and photograph the comet as its brightness and tail grew longer, coinciding with its closest distance to the sun these days. I was able to take pictures of it from the Starlight Reserve in Jebel Shams using an astronomical camera dedicated to observing such faint and distant objects.”

He added: “The monitoring process carried out by the Omani Astronomical Society is considered an important step in following the path of this comet and verifying the scientific data related to its path and formation. This monitoring was carried out using amateur astronomical equipment, as suitable weather conditions helped in the success of the monitoring and documentation.”

He explained: “Comets are monitored for important scientific and astronomical reasons, including: studying the formation of the solar system, as they are considered remnants of the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago, and therefore contain raw materials that provide scientists with information about the early stages of the formation of planets and stars, analyzing the composition of comets by studying the components of comets such as ice, gas, dust, and minerals, and monitoring their paths and their impact on Earth, as some comets can approach Earth, and monitoring them helps in assessing the possibility of their collision with our planet and taking preventive measures if necessary, and understanding the physical processes in space by monitoring the behavior of comets as they approach the sun and studying the effects of solar winds and magnetic interactions.” In the same context,

Al-Julanda bin Masoud Al-Rawahy, Chairman of the Community Communication Committee and Member of the Board of Directors of the Omani Astronomical Society, confirmed that: “This observation represents an achievement for the Society, and reflects the advanced level reached by astronomical activities in the Sultanate of Oman. We are always keen to participate in global astronomical events and enhance the position of the Sultanate of Oman in the international astronomical community.”

He added that Comet Tsushinshan-Atlas C/2023 A3 represents a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts in the Sultanate of Oman to follow a rare event, and we look forward to sharing more details about the comet and methods of observing it with the Omani public in the coming period.

He concluded: “Amateurs and those interested can observe and photograph the comet at its peak with special astronomical equipment (binoculars and astronomical telescopes) during this month and the beginning of next month. As for viewing it with the naked eye, it is not possible yet unless the comet increases in brightness at its closest point to Earth.”