C/2023 A3 and C/2024 S1: Two Comets to Observe in October 2024 with Smart Telescopes

October 2024 is an exciting month for astronomy enthusiasts, as some comets will be visible in the night sky. If you own a smart telescope like the Seestar S50, DWARF III, or Unistellar eVscope 2, this is the perfect opportunity to have a new experience and witness these extraordinary celestial events. Let's explore what to expect from the comets arriving this month and how to observe them effectively.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

Comet C/2023 A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is one of the most anticipated astronomical events of October. It will be visible in the evening sky starting October 10, shortly after sunset, and will continue to be observable until the end of the month. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth on October 12, becoming brighter as it gets closer to the Sun, which may make it visible to the naked eye under favorable conditions.

The visibility of the comet will vary depending on your geographical location. During the first part of October, it will be more easily visible from the Southern Hemisphere, while from October 10 onwards, it will be better observed from the Northern Hemisphere. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the comet will be visible after sunset toward the western horizon, while for the Southern Hemisphere, it will appear higher in the sky.

The best time to observe the comet with a smart telescope is between October 14 and 24. During these days, the comet will be low on the western horizon just after sunset. It is advisable to find a location with a clear view of the horizon, away from light pollution. Using binoculars or wide-field telescopes will help you get a clearer view of the comet and its tail.

The brightness of the comet is subject to variation, so it is important to follow updates. So far, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has become brighter as it approaches the Sun, and some hope it could become bright enough to compete with the Moon. However, predictions about comets are often uncertain, and it may not be as spectacular as expected. In any case, the chances of seeing a beautiful celestial glow are high.

Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS)

Another important comet to observe this month is C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), recently discovered and part of the "sungrazers" family. This comet will approach the Sun, reaching perihelion on October 28, and could become extremely bright, with a magnitude between -5 and -7, potentially making it visible even during the day under favorable conditions. However, as with all comets, predictions are uncertain, and it will depend on whether it survives its close passage by the Sun.

Comet C/2024 S1 will be best visible from the Southern Hemisphere during its approach to perihelion, while after the perihelion, it could offer a spectacular show for the Northern Hemisphere in the mornings of late October and early November if it survives its close encounter with the Sun. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the comet will be visible near the southeastern horizon just before dawn during the last weeks of October.

Tips for Observing

Equipment for Comets

When observing comets with a smart telescope, it is important to use specific settings for the tail and nucleus. Depending on the type of telescope, it may be necessary to set the exposure slightly higher than usual to capture details of the tail, which often appears much fainter than the nucleus. With telescopes like the Seestar S50 or DWARF III, use the automatic tracking mode to follow the comet's movement, adjusting the brightness manually if necessary. Activate the automatic stacking feature, if available, to get more detailed images of the tail.

Location

While it is always preferable to move away from cities to reduce light pollution, smart telescopes can still achieve very good results in partially polluted skies.

Filters and Dew Shield

Using optical filters can greatly enhance the observation of comets, especially when trying to capture specific details of the tail or nucleus. Depending on the model of smart telescope you use, these filters may be more or less necessary, as some models already incorporate specific filters. For instance, telescopes like the Unistellar eVscope 2 include filters to reduce light pollution, making additional filters redundant. However, for other models, adding an optical filter can help improve image quality, particularly in partially polluted skies.

Types of Filters for Comet Observation

• Comet Filter: Specifically designed for observing comets, this filter enhances the visibility of gas emissions such as cyanogen (C2), which gives the comet its characteristic green glow.
• OIII Filter: OIII filters isolate the wavelength of ionized oxygen, improving the contrast of comets and other celestial objects. This type of filter is useful for observing the structure of the comet's tail.
• H-Beta Filter: While typically used for observing nebulae, an H-Beta filter can also enhance the contrast of the dust tail of a bright comet.
• Light Pollution Filters: These filters are very helpful when observing from urban or suburban areas, as they block specific wavelengths emitted by artificial lighting, resulting in a clearer view.

In certain contexts, such as environments with high humidity or unwanted stray light, using a dew shield can be very useful to block stray light and prevent dew formation on the lens. This accessory is particularly effective for improving the quality of prolonged observations.

For users of the Seestar S50, we recommend using our Dewiew accessory, which allows you to mount a 2'' optical filter along with a conical dew shield. This setup not only enhances the observation quality by reducing scattered light but also protects the lens from condensation, making the observation experience more enjoyable and productive.

Timing

The best window to observe Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is between October 14 and 24, while for C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), the last weeks of October and the first days of November will offer the best opportunities, especially for those in the Northern Hemisphere after its perihelion.

Take advantage of these rare events and get ready to capture some unforgettable photos. Smart telescopes, with their integrated astrophotography features, are ideal for capturing Comets Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and C/2024 S1, so make sure to set up your equipment correctly to capture details of the comet's tail and nucleus.