As we await Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS reaching its peak observing period this weekend, we've received so many amazing images of the celestial visitor from those who've been dedicated enough to head out and capture it.
We've seen an image of C/2023 A3 over the Pyramids of Giza, an image of the comet captured by astronauts on the Space Station and even a Comet A3 as seen by NASA's SOHO telescope.
This wonderful image of Comet C/2023 A3 was captured by Gergely Tóth on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, 1 October 2024 at 06:00 UTC.
It shows Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS sharing a beautiful sunrise sky with the crescent Moon, the famous Mount Teide volcano and rippling clouds.
Click on the image below to expand the frame for a closer look.
Find out how to photograph Comet C/2023 A3, how to observe Comet A3 in November and read our beginner's guide to Comet A3.
"At the centre of the image, a breathtaking celestial phenomenon can be seen: the C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) comet, trailing its bright tail across the dawn sky," says Tóth.
"To the right of the comet rises the silhouette of the Teide volcano, while to the left, the Moon, only 2% illuminated, emerges above the horizon. The comet, the Moon and the volcano appear as a triumvirate, a unique natural alliance in the sky."
The island of La Palma is something of a stargazing mecca, given its incredibly dark skies and lack of light pollution.
It's also home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, one of the largest telescope arrays in the world and home to the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes.
As you might expect, achieving such a photographic feat on one of the most famous astronomical islands in the world wasn't a chance encounter, and nor was it easy!
"I spent a week on La Palma for astrophotography, aiming to capture this comet before sunrise," says Tóth.
"It was quite a challenge to wake up at 4:30am every day and drive up to Caldera de Taburiente along its endlessly winding roads, with the icy wind howling around me.
"But in the end, I believe it was all worth it."
We agree.
For more of Gergely Tóth's images, visit his AstroBin page and his Instagram handle @gergo7oth.
Image stats
- Camera: Sony A7IIIa
- Lens: Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8
- Tripod: Benro Polaris tripod head
- Sky: f/1.8, 8s, ISO 640 (8 panels in 1 row)
- Foreground: f/1.8, 4s, ISO 640 (8 panels in 1 row)
See more images of Comet C/2023 A3.
Have you captured an image of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS? Send us your pics - we'd love to see them!
