The observatory is ready for a new comet

Comet Atlas Zouchenshan, or C/2023 A3, has already appeared in China and South Africa in the past few weeks. The first images promise a special celestial spectacle. It will also likely be visible to the naked eye in Europe on October 12. The comet was named after the telescopes with which it was first observed.

Various observatories in Lower Austria are dedicated to this unique landscape. As of October 12, the Martinsburg Astronomy Center (AZM) is offering club members the opportunity to observe the comet with the appropriate equipment. It is open to foreigners on October 20 and 22 from 6:15 p.m.

The comet approaches the sun

The comet should continue to increase in height and thus get closer to the Sun, AZM President Michael Jäger tells noe.ORF.at. The reflection of the sun usually makes it more visible. According to Jagger, the precise composition of the individual comet also plays a role.

Whether the orb will actually be visible depends largely on weather conditions, Jagger says. However, visibility is expected to gradually improve as the week goes on. The best observing conditions are expected to occur on October 19 and 20.

There will also be guided tours of the Hohenberg Observatory (Gmund District) on 26 October from 7pm and on 2 November from 6pm. You don't necessarily need a telescope to observe a comet; Even a telescope of the right size should be enough, says Hermann Lahofer, founder and head of the observatory.