After last week’s stunning aurora borealis, October has already proven to be a great month for nighttime skywatching. Local astronomy buffs are about to be even more spoiled, because from now through Tuesday, a once-in-a-lifetime comet will grace Lower Manhattan’s skies during dusk.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be visible in the western sky about 45 minutes after sunset. You’ll be able to see the comet with the naked eye, though we recommend using binoculars for the best view. Despite the competing light pollution, it should still show up nicely on a phone camera.
We have lots of great west-facing locations in the neighborhood where you’ll be able to catch a view of the comet, such as Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City Esplanade, the Battery and Craig Road North on Governors Island. The comet should be hovering slightly to the left of the Jersey City skyline, or to the left of the Statue of Liberty if you’re viewing from Governors Island.
If you miss it, don’t worry: you’ll get another chance to see Tsuchinshan-ATLAS when it next visits Earth in 80,000 years, though it’s unlikely that we’ll be around to give you the heads up.
photo: iStock (not Tsuchinshan-ATLAS!)
