Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, its Anti-tail and Venus

Photographer: Roberta CalabreseSummary Authors: Roberta Calabrese; Jim Foster

Featured here is Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS with its beautiful tail as observed in the early evening of October 14, 2024, from the village of Punta Ciriga, Italy. Juxtaposed to this wondrous comet is brilliant Venus (at far left). Note that Tsuchinshan-ATLAS's anti-tail is faintly visible -- the dim spike that appears to be projecting from the coma. Also of interest is Venus' glitter path.

Photo Details: Nikon Z6II camera; Nikkor70-180 lens; f2.8; 70 mm; 1.6 seconds exposure; ISO 3200.

 

Punta Ciriga, Sicily, Italy Coordinates: 36.6920, 14.9718Related Links: Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks over the High Tatras MountainsWhat Is a Comet?How Comets Work