A rare comet was visible in the night sky over San Diego County, providing a spectacular celestial sight for sky watchers. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, pronounced Choo-cheen-shahn, is expected to be visible to the naked eye across the Northern Hemisphere for several weeks in October, with the best chance to spot it being until Oct. 26. This comet’s orbit around the sun occurs approximately once every 80,000 years, making its appearance near Earth a truly rare event.
Local photographers like Vishwas Lokesh and Vladimir Medvinsky took the opportunity to capture images of the comet in the San Diego area. Lokesh, who was in Poway at the Iron Mountain Trailhead, expressed his gratitude for witnessing such a unique event that only occurs once every 80,000 years. He emphasized the importance of preserving the Earth for future generations to potentially witness the comet’s next visit.
Similarly, Medvinsky traveled to Palomar Mountain to photograph the comet, successfully capturing its beauty during the same timeframe as Lokesh. Medvinsky had a busy week, as he also managed to film the northern lights in the area just a few days prior to spotting the comet.
For those who have not yet had the chance to see Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, there will be ample opportunities to view it on Sunday, approximately 45 minutes after sunset. The comet’s appearance has sparked excitement among astronomy enthusiasts and photographers alike, showcasing the beauty of the universe right from the comfort of San Diego. It serves as a reminder of the rare and extraordinary events that occur in the night sky, encouraging viewers to appreciate the wonders of the cosmos and the need to protect our planet for future generations to witness similar phenomena.
