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Chris Baker

What's Up? - OCTOBER 2024

Each month I highlight a few objects you can spot in the night sky without the need for optical equipment.


Saturn, Jupiter and Mars all visible this month!


PLUS- we have the chance to spot a COMET!!



PLANETS


Mercury and Venus are difficult to spot this month


Mars

Mars will be residing in the constellation of Gemini all month. The planet rises in the late evening and can be seen high in the south eastern sky in the early hours throughout October.


Mars mid month in the early hours looking south east

Courtesy of Stellarium



Jupiter

Jupiter is bright this month and easy to spot. It shines all month in the constellation of Taurus and by mid October it rises mid evening in the south eastern sky. You'll be able to view Mars and Jupiter in the same direction


Jupiter mid month in the early hours looking south east

Courtesy of Stellarium



Saturn

Saturn is visible all month and rises mid evening directly south in the constellation Aquarius.


Saturn close to the Moon mid evening on the 14th October

Courtesy of Stellarium


COMET C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS




QUICK SUMMARY TO VIEWING:

Mid evening from mid October - with the naked eye rising higher in the western sky as the month progresses.


What is a Comet?

A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that orbits the Sun. Often described as "dirty snowballs," comets originate from the outer regions of the solar system, particularly the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes its ices to vaporize, creating a glowing coma (a fuzzy envelope of gas and dust) and a tail that always points away from the Sun due to solar wind. This tail can stretch for millions of kilometers and is one of the most striking features of comets. Comets have highly elliptical orbits, which can take them close to the Sun and then far back into the depths of space. Their unpredictable appearances and potential for striking Earth have made them subjects of fascination in both science and mythology throughout history.


When and where to look

Comet C/2023 A3 is expected to be best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere during its closest approach to the Sun, which occurs in early November 2023. It will likely be brighter in October though. The optimal viewing direction will generally be toward the western sky after sunset.

To get the best view, find a dark location away from city lights and look for the comet around 30 to 60 minutes after sunset.





Enjoy the night sky this month and let me know about your observations

Thank you for reading this blog and do let me know if there is anything you would like me to add to my Newsletter each month.

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