Skywatchers can see a comet and super moon this week

Tsuchinshan-ATLAS over the Afsluitdijk. Photo: CAMJO media, ANP

A comet which last visited the earth 80,000 years ago was clearly visible over the Netherlands in Monday night’s clear evening skies and is likely to be on view again in the coming few days.

C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas), which is just three kilometres in diameter, was spotted in the evening sky shortly after sunset by people in the north and central parts of the country.

The comet was closest to the earth last Saturday when it was some 70 million kilometres away. But experts say the best options to see it will likely be next weekend. To spot the comet look to the west, low on the horizon, after sundown and before 8 pm.

If you miss it, the comet will still be visible until the end of November.

Skywatchers will also be treated to a so-called super moon on Thursday. The moon will be closer to earth and this makes it appear 7% larger and 14% brighter than a normal moon. Weeronline says there will be some cloud around but it should not interfere with the spectacle.

Feel free to share your photos of the comet or the moon with editor@dutchnews.nl and we’ll place the best on our social media pages.

Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation