A comet not seen since Neanderthal times has made a spectacular appearance over London’s skyline.
Comet C/2023 A3, nicknamed Tsuchinshan-Atlas, was spotted in Wimbledon just after sunset on Saturday.
This celestial visitor orbits the Sun once every 80,000 years and made its last pass when humans were first venturing out of Africa.
The ‘once in a lifetime’ sighting saw the comet come within 44 million miles of Earth. Stargazers were left in awe as they caught a glimpse of this prehistoric wanderer against the backdrop of London’s modern cityscape.
Those in the northern hemisphere had an initial viewing window from September 27 to October 2.
Another chance comes from Saturday, October 12, to October 30 with the comet visible through binoculars or even the naked eye as it nears the sun.
Photos of the comet over Europe have already surfaced and stargazers have plenty of opportunity to see this rare event before it vanishes.
The comet will be visible 45 minutes after sunset and looking to the west, Southwest u should see it, now until the end of October Comet A3 will be higher and higher in the sky but will become more faded so it should be at its brightest and biggest around 14-18th of October! pic.twitter.com/uV2g0VUaqz
— 🌧️🌬️WarwickshireMidlandsWX (Foxy)🌬️🌧️ (@WxMidlands) October 12, 2024
Dr Robert Massey of the society told the BBC: "Sometimes comets disappoint... but this one appears to be acting in line with predictions.
"We want people to try and go out and have a look."
Dr Massey advised people to seek “good vantage points” to see the comet and to go immediately after sunset or before sunrise.
He said, "Just go out, enjoy it, don't sweat it,” adding that participants could bring a hot drink with them for the occasion.
"And if it’s genuinely easy to spot, you might, might be able to pick up your mobile phone, rest on something, and just point and shoot."
Spotted what only the Neandrathals could’ve possibly witnessed the last time this was visible to our planet: Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS!
— Senthilnathan (@senthsei) October 10, 2024
#CometC2023A3#comet pic.twitter.com/OTrLKURFtS
Stargazers have now been tweeting about their discoveries.
“Spotted what only the Neandrathals could’ve possibly witnessed the last time this was visible to our planet,” wrote one.
Another, based in Warwickshire, added: “The comet will be visible 45 minutes after sunset and looking to the west, Southwest u should see it, now until the end of October Comet A3 will be higher and higher in the sky but will become more faded so it should be at its brightest and biggest around 14-18th of October.”
