A rare comet that hasn’t been seen for 80,000 years will be visible from London this weekend, a sight not to be missed. The comet named Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will be best observed with binoculars or a telescope, as it may not be easily visible to the naked eye. The Royal Astronomical Society has already spotted the comet, and it is expected to be visible from Saturday, October 12 to Wednesday, October 30 in the West just after sunset.
However, cloud cover may obstruct the view of the comet, with the Met Office predicting cloudy periods on key viewing days. AccuWeather also forecasts high cloud cover percentages on certain nights, making Monday, October 14 the best bet for a clear view. Light pollution in London poses another challenge for stargazers, but locations like Blackheath, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Ruislip Lido, Blythe Hill Fields, and Primrose Hill offer darker skies for better visibility.
To optimize stargazing experience, astronomy expert Jessica Lee advises allowing your eyes to adjust to the dark, avoiding bright lights from phones or torches. Finding an open space away from streetlights is crucial for spotting stars and celestial events like Comet A3. While weather conditions and light pollution present challenges, dedicated stargazers in London have several options to witness this once-in-a-lifetime comet event.
