how and when will it be seen from the Canary Islands

At the end of September, the sky over the Canary Islands recorded an unusual image: an almost clear passage of comet C/2023 A3 (Tzuchinshan-ATLAS). Known as comet of the century It is thanks to its visibility that the stellar object will again cross the sky of the Archipelago in the coming days.

Starting at noon this Thursday, October 10th and throughout the weekend, The meteor will be visible at sunset. According to the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), which already had the opportunity to observe the passage of the comet on September 26.

Science center spokesman Alfred Rosenberg then explained that the geographical position of the Canary Islands, as well as the quality of their skies, make the archipelago privileged stage for astronomical observations and in the case of the comet of the century, already known, the situation will not change.

In fact, the first of the comet’s observation periods allowed IAC astrophotographer Daniel Lopez to begin breathtaking image of a meteor and its trail at the Teide Observatory, on top of Isagna.

Second function

The second performance of this heavenly spectacle will begin this afternoon, though The best time to watch will be next Saturday.Hispanic Heritage Day, which will give the population “a little more time to enjoy it, although gradually its brightness will diminish,” according to the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands.

Of course, this is the best time to watch it, s.Perhaps, at first glance, the first few days, or with binoculars or small telescopes. As it moves away, it will only be visible through larger telescopes until it cools again and is lost forever in the far reaches of the solar system.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Day. On October 12, the comet of the century will reach its closest point to Earth. making this one of the best days to enjoy this astronomical phenomenon. “Watching the sunset these days would be a great plan,” says Alfred Rosenberg.

In these last days near the Earth, The comet will reveal a previously unknown face for the first time: the face of two tails.. And these objects usually have two tails behind them: one ion tail and the other dust tail. The first is produced by ionization of the gases it contains, “combed by solar radiation”; and the second, made of dust, will remain in its orbit.

How and where to see it

This weekend it can be seen everywhere. western horizon without obstaclesobserving approximately 40 minutes after sunset. At this time, you will be able to perfectly observe the comet’s nucleus and its tail, probably also with the naked eye. As the minutes pass, the sky will continue to darken, but the comet will move closer to the horizon, dimming its brightness as its light has to pass through more of Earth’s atmosphere.

Additionally, National Geographic points to two habitats in the Canary Islands between best places to watch this spectacle: Roque de Los Muchachos in La Palma and Corralejo in Fuerteventura.

A recent scientific journal publication on the town of Majorera notes that no matter how connected the island is to the sun and beaches, “the aridity of its landscapes and low light pollution offer unrivaled nighttime spectacles.” “WITHOrralejo is also an ideal starting point. enter the mountains in the north of the island, more remote and clear,” he adds.

Regarding Roque de Los Muchachos, where it says “Spain’s most famous observatory” is located, National Geographic notes that “surroundings of the highest peak of La Palma “It offers countless vantage points, natural balconies and spaces where you can look at the comet face-to-face.”