First Glimpse of an Evening Comet

Made my first attempt at comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) in the evening sky. I knew it would probably not be spectacular just yet, still low and lost in the glow, but it is there.

The comet was a binocular object only, just visible quite low in the golden sunset glow. A weather system passing the islands brought bands of cirrus to complicate the issue.

For this quick attempt I headed for the dry forest and wiliwili trees along Waikoloa Road just outside the village. A pretty evening even if the comet was not at its best just yet. Another attempt is planned for this evening if the clouds hold off, the comet should be 5° higher against that dark blue.

Yes, it is there in the photo. Lost in the golden glow low and just left of center…

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) in the evening sky on October 11th, 2024
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) in the evening sky on October 11th, 2024

Author: Andrew

An electrical engineer, amateur astronomer, and diver, living and working on the island of Hawaiʻi.

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