Seeking the Comet
For several days in a row, I walked up the road about 1000 meters to observe C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan ATLAS). I was also looking for a gate or space to comfortably place myself to draw. The land rises from our house toward the target, blocking the comet’s position at the time. Hence, I walked for a clear view, carrying all my equipment.
It would have been my preference to be incognito in this quest, but I had to wear a high-visibility sleeveless jacket to be seen in the dark. Alas, the soaring cathedrals of black clouds filled my field of view night after night. Not seeing the comet made me sad. It made me want it more than ever. That was until October 16th, when the clouds offered gaps.
Naked Eye Drawing
C/2023 A 3 Tsuchinshan ATLAS – October 16th 2024 – I drove down to Fahy, on the coast near me, to take a chance on the comet making an appearance. Nothing but black clouds and a few gaps. Using my binoculars, I scanned the gaps for about 45 minutes. I saw the head of the comet in fleeting moments. In preparation for success, I drew in the towers of clouds and waited. At 20:20 local time, it was above one of these columns, visible to the naked eye. The bright coma was distinctive, and the tail was visible but faint. When the moon behind me went behind a black cloud, I could see the comet well enough to place it in my drawing. The Atlantic added its crashing waves to the scenario.
Binocular drawing
After that, I used my 15X70 binoculars on a tripod to draw it in a prepared circle. The comet’s tail exceeded my line, more than ten degrees long and fainter away from the head. Some material within the coma displayed a yellow tint. The dust tail was clear, but the ion tail was less so. Unfortunately, I could not see the anti-tail, which I would have loved to include in the drawing. Moonlight flooding the sky didn’t help. The second drawing was at 20:33 local time, 19:33 UT; both drawings are pastels on black paper.
To me, the comet looked very sleek and had the appearance of its speed (69 km per second). To say I was delighted to see it is an understatement; I was so happy. Several comets I observed in the past looked interesting for different reasons. But this was truly sweet. It hit my emotional button big time. My binocular drawing is inserted in the larger drawing above. The view is out over the Atlantic between Inishbofin (Bofin Island) and the Galway coast. The two stars either side of the comets tail are HD 139044 and HD138936.
It was a great experience despite the pending Hunters Moon. However, the pesky black clouds became a helpful shield, blocking the light to help the comet stand out. The moon behind me also performed a piece of visual theatre over the mountains, with the clouds acting as an ever-changing set. The comet played its part over the ocean, hiding until it was ready to sing its beauty. Storm Ashley stole a few nights since. C/2023 A3 is getting further and further away and dimmer as it goes.
I now hope C/2024 S1(ATLAS) will bring me more joy and fewer clouds. It would be best if it were very bright, as I would like to share it with locals.
