BUTTE, MT - Did you miss the chance to see the spectacular Comet A3 zoom across Montana's skies? Don't worry: it's not too late.

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Comet Nishimura (C/2023 A3), also known as Comet A3, has been lighting up our skies this October, and there's good news.

 

It's not too late to witness this stunning celestial visitor. Whether you're in the heart of Butte or out in the open wilderness, this rare event is something you won't want to miss.

Here's everything you need to know to spot, photograph, and marvel at this beautiful comet.

How to See Comet A3

Comet A3 has been making its slow, bright journey across the night sky, and the next few weeks offer some of the best opportunities to view it. The comet is visible to the naked eye in dark areas, but using binoculars or a telescope will give you a much clearer view of its glowing greenish-blue tail.

- Best viewing time: The best time to see Comet A3 is shortly after sunset, in the early to late hours of the night. Look towards the western horizon, just above where the sun sets.

- What to look for: The comet may appear as a fuzzy star with a bright core and a trailing tail. Try to find a location with minimal light pollution, like the countryside or on a hill/mountain. If you can get away from the city lights, you'll have an even better chance of catching it.

How to Photograph the Comet

Capturing a comet on camera might sound tricky, but it’s easier than you think. With a little planning, you can snap your own stellar shot!

1. Use a DSLR or a mirrorless camera: You’ll want a camera that lets you manually adjust settings and can throw on a decent zoom lens.

2. Long exposure settings: Set your exposure time to anywhere between 15-30 seconds to catch the comet’s movement and glow.

3. A sturdy tripod: Keep your camera stable to avoid blurry images. A good, stable tripod is key to capturing clear shots of celestial objects.

4. ISO and aperture settings: Start with an ISO around 1600-3200 and an aperture as wide as your lens allows (f/2.8 or lower, if possible) to let in as much light as possible.

Don’t worry if your first few shots don’t turn out perfect—experimenting with different settings will help you find the right balance.

How Rare Is This?

The appearance of Comet A3 is a once-in-a-lifetime event. This particular comet only swings by every 80,000 years, so the next time it graces our skies, we probably won't be around.

How Long Will It Be Visible?

You have a few more weeks to see Comet A3, but its brightness will slowly fade over time—as its brightest point was on October 12th.

The comet is expected to be visible until late October or early November, so there’s still time to get out there and catch it.

When’s the Next Comet?

The next notable comet that could be visible from Montana might be the iconic Halley's Comet, expected in 2061. That’s a 37-year wait, but it’s one of the most famous comets ever, and it last passed by in 1986.

So, don't miss this chance to see Comet A3! Grab your binoculars, set your alarm clock, and step outside under the Big Sky to witness one of the universe’s rarest and most beautiful visitors.

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