Comet C2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas and the sea of Tuscany by Stefano Orazzini

Finally, after 5 consecutive nights of overcast or cloudy skies, the comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas has also shown itself in my area in Tuscany, exactly in Cecina.

The sun set at 18:34, but only after about 45/50 minutes the comet appeared visible even to the naked eye, even if very faint.

With a camera however it is definitely more visible and this image shows it in all its beauty, with the sea of Marina di Cecina in the foreground.

It is truly exciting to think that in a few days it will say goodbye to us and will return to visit the skies of our Earth only in about 80,000 years!

This striking photograph captures the rare sight of comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas streaking across the twilight sky above Cecina, Italy. Taken during the fleeting moments between day and night, the sky is bathed in soft hues of blue and purple, offering a perfect backdrop to highlight the comet’s luminous trail.

The C/2023 A3 comet, first discovered in early 2023 by astronomers at the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the Atlas survey, has sparked global interest among astronomers and skywatchers alike. The comet’s unique trajectory and its visibility in certain regions of the world make it a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event.
The Tsuchinshan-Atlas comet is a long-period comet, meaning it originates from the distant Oort Cloud at the edge of our solar system. Its highly elliptical orbit brings it close to the Sun once every few thousand years.

As it approaches the inner solar system, the ice and dust in the comet’s nucleus vaporize, forming the glowing tail visible in this photograph. The comet will continue its journey, slowly fading as it drifts further away, making this capture a timeless reminder of its passage through our skies.

Photographing a celestial body like comet C/2023 A3 at twilight is a true challenge, requiring precision and patience to capture the brief window where the light from the setting sun complements the dim glow of the comet. The image exudes a sense of wonder and connection to the vast cosmos, reminding us of our small place in the universe and the fleeting beauty of celestial phenomena.

The soft gradient of the evening sky contrasts beautifully with the comet's bright, ethereal trail, evoking a mix of serenity and awe.

For those fascinated by space and the rare occurrences of celestial events, this print offers more than just a photograph.