How to see a rare comet in Calgary starting tonight

LISTEN | Professor Alan Clark talks about Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS: 

The Homestretch7:40Comet A3

We hear about a massive comet that's rocketing by the earth, and how you can catch a glimpse of it. 

Discovered in 2023 by observatories in South Africa and China, a comet known as Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS (C/2023 A3) has been making its way closer to Earth.

Alan Clark is a professor emeritus with the department of physics and astronomy at the University of Calgary and a co-founder of the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory near Priddis, Alta. He says the comet may be visible to the naked eye right here in Calgary — if you miss it, you might not be able to see it again for another 80,000 years.

It could be visible in the city starting Thursday night, and as it continues to move, Calgarians could have multiple chances to see it later this week and over the weekend.

"Find a site where the western horizon is clear," he said.

"Keep a look on the horizon, and the moment the sun sets, you can scan the twilight, and as twilight fades, hopefully we'll see [the comet's] tail slowly fall down into behind the Earth."

Clark spoke with CBC Radio's Chris dela Torre on The Homestretch about how to catch a glimpse of the comet, and how to do it safely.