One of the brightest comets in recent history, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) has been dubbed by some astronomers as the “comet of the century.” October offers a chance to see it soaring over the Coachella Valley. At the start of the month, from our vantage point, it will be visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise. Oct. 5–11, the comet will likely get lost in the light of dawn. Look for it to reappear after the 11th along the western horizon line near the San Jacinto Mountains. With the right conditions, it may become readily visible to the unaided eye. However, comets are dynamic systems and bright views may be stifled.
Each month, Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory astronomer Eric McLaughlin spotlights a celestial event. Join him at the observatory in October to glimpse the “comet of the century” through a telescope. For details, visit ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory.