Comet predicted to be visible to naked eye in S'pore skies from Oct. 14 to 20, 2024

UPDATE on Oct. 8, 6:30pm: The dates for when the comet will be visible to the naked eye have been updated, following a new statement from the Science Centre Observatory.

Look up to the skies between Oct. 14 and 20 in the evenings and you just might be able to spot a comet burning there.

The comet, named Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS), was previously spotted in the early morning at several areas in Singapore such as Lakeside and Paya Lebar.

According to Science Centre Singapore, it is currently visible using telescopes or binoculars, at around 5:30am when the skies are dark.

Below are some shots of the comet photographers were able to snap at Bukit Panjang and Sembawang.

When to see the comet?

More importantly for stargazers, the comet will reappear in the evenings on Oct. 14.

It is expected to be at its brightest and most visible then, the Science Centre stated.

The comet will be closest to Earth on Oct. 11.

However, the position of the comet in the sky places it very close to the sun. This will hinder its visibility from Earth, as the sunlight will drown the light reflecting off the comet.

The comet is thus expected to be brightest and most visible between Oct. 14 and 20.

It will gradually become dimmer as it moves further away from Earth.

The Science Centre advises observers to look towards the western skies just after sunset, and to use a stargazing app for the exact viewing window as it will change daily.

The centre will also be hosting a virtual viewing session of the comet on Oct. 17, from 7pm to 8pm (if weather permits).

The livestream will be available on the Science Centre Singapore YouTube channel.

Top photo from Zhi Xuan Teh and Vincent Lao from Stargazing Singapore / FB