The second phase of the comet photography event is here!

In the vast universe, comets flow like dreams, carrying ancient secrets as they traverse the starry sky. When the C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)  comet sweeps across the night, its brilliance illuminates our vision and awakens our curiosity for the unknown.

Let us capture this moment together and pursue the dazzling dream of the galaxy!

 

Date

November 05, 2024 - November 30, 2024

 

Prize

Post entries about Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). After official review, you can get the badge of this comet. The badge will be earned uniformly after the contest ends.

 

Entry requirement

1. It must be related to the observation of the C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) comet, and the entries can include videos or images.
2. It must be an original entry taken by yourself and there must be no copyright disputes.
3. It must be captured authentically, without the use of computer synthesis, splicing, or AI generation.

 

Rules

1. Participant Eligibility: All registered users in AstroNet can participate. Each user can submit multiple entries.
2. Submission Method: When posting works, simply check the "C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)" topic.

 

Statement

1. This contest does not charge any fees, if you did not pass the registration approval, all losses and consequences will be borne by you.
2. Users who do not comply with the rules will be disqualified from the prize.
3. This contest applies to the AstroNet "Legal Notice and Privacy Policy" and "Software Service Agreement".
4. This contest and prizes are not related to Apple Inc.
5. The final interpretation of this activity belongs to ZWO.If you have other questions, please contact the official customer service astronet@zwoptical.com.

 

About C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

The best comet of 2024 is already visible in the sky! Right now, observers in the Southern Hemisphere are enjoying the brightening Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), and soon it will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere as well. 

 
September 18-26: from 4.7 to 3.0 mag, appears in the morning sky in the Southern Hemisphere, low above the eastern horizon in the constellation of Sextans. Requires binoculars (preferably 10x50 or 12x50). Good time to observe the cometary tail (possibly double tail).
September 27-October 2: from 3.0 to 0.0 mag, reaches the closest point to the Sun (perihelion) on September 27, appearing in the morning sky in the Southern Hemisphere and in the Northern Hemisphere (below 40°N). Passes from the constellation of Sextans into the constellation of Leo on September 28. May be visible to the naked eye.
October 2-9: from 0.0 to -3.0 mag, but too close to the Sun to be visible to the naked eye. Can be observed and photographed with a telescope in the morning with the necessary precautions. The most optimistic forecasts say that the comet will exceed magnitude -5.0 — if so, it'll be visible to the naked eye even in the daytime sky close to the Sun.
October 10-12: from -3.0 to -1.0 mag, appears in the evening in the Northern Hemisphere shortly after sunset, very low in the western sky in the constellation of Virgo. Short observation window, but visible with the naked eye! Best time to see the comet. Makes its closest approach to Earth on October 12.
October 13-14: from -1.0 to 1.0 mag, quickly losing brightness, but moving farther from the Sun and therefore easier to see. Visible with the naked eye in the evening about an hour after sunset. On October 14, C/2023 A3 will pass close to another comet, 13P/Olbers (mag 10).
October 15-19: 1.0 to 4.5 mag, moving toward Serpens Caput. May produce an anti-tail — a bright streak that appears to be pointing toward the Sun, opposite the other tails. On October 15, it will pass 1.4° from the M5 globular cluster, providing a good photo opportunity.
October 20-31: 4.5 to 7.0 mag, moving across the constellation Ophiuchus relatively high in the southwestern sky in the evening. Visible with binoculars and telescopes. During these days, the tail of the comet will begin to grow rapidly, possibly reaching up to 20° long (about 40 times the size of the Full Moon) under dark skies.
November: from 7 to 8 mag, visible in the evening. Rises higher in the Northern Hemisphere after sunset.
December: from 8 to 10 mag, gradually moves closer to the Sun in our sky, rising lower above the horizon. Not visible from the Southern Hemisphere.