Stargazers alert - Comet C/2023 A3: Once-in-a-80,000 year celestial event visible this weekend
Comet C/2023 A3 has returned to Earth’s skies after 80,000 years, promises spectacular sky show
Comet C/2023 A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is making a rare and breathtaking return to Earth's skies after an astonishing 80,000-year journey around the Sun. From Friday through Monday, early risers will have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of this celestial wonder in the early morning sky.
According to BBC Sky at Night Magazine, Comet C/2023 A3 completes its orbit every 80,000 years, making this an extraordinarily rare event for stargazers. The comet is expected to become a prominent object in the morning sky by late September 2024, shining brightly at a magnitude of +0.6 just before sunrise. The comet will reach its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion, on September 28, 2024. As it ascends into the evening sky around October 10, observers can anticipate slightly dimmer views, with the comet predicted to shine at a magnitude of +0.8.
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, currently stationed aboard the International Space Station, shared a mesmerizing video of the comet on social media. In his post, he described the comet as appearing like "a fuzzy star" when viewed with the naked eye from the ISS's cupola windows. However, using a 200mm f/2 lens with a 1/8s exposure, Dominick captured more detailed images, showcasing the comet's potential for stunning visuals as it draws closer to the Sun.
Amateur astronomer Stuart Atkinson from Cumbria also provided insights into what viewers can expect. He noted on social media that the comet would resemble "a fuzzy star with a misty tail" positioned low in the eastern sky beneath the Moon. Atkinson suggested that using binoculars could enhance the viewing experience, offering a more detailed look at this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
Don't miss the chance to witness this extraordinary astronomical phenomenon as Comet C/2023 A3 graces our skies for the first time in millennia.
So far Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS looks like a fuzzy star to the naked eye looking out the cupola windows. But with a 200mm, f2 lens at 1/8s exposure you can really start to see it. This comet is going to make for some really cool images as it gets closer to the sun. For now a… pic.twitter.com/JstaSLJ4Ui
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) September 19, 2024
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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
