Is there a comet tonight? Here’s when the comet will be visible

A comet making an 80,000-year orbit around the sun is gearing up for its “best showing” for skygazers nationwide, including California.

Previously thought to be an asteroid, the comet named C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has been referred to by some as the “comet of the century” because of how brightly it may shine.

The comet, which will be at its closest to Earth this weekend, NASA said, is believed to have come out of the Oort Cloud, a giant spherical shell of icy space debris that surrounds our solar system and lies far beyond Pluto.

When can I see the comet?

The comet’s “best showing in the evening sky” will be during a two-week span from Oct. 12 through Oct. 26, according to Space.com. The comet will gradually be higher in the sky and harder to see with just your eyes, and will fade either the week of or before Halloween, depending on its brightness, NPR reported.

Afterward, you’ll need a telescope to view it, said NPR. And while it may be easier to spot because it’s higher in the sky, not only will the comet be dimmer, but moonlight may affect your viewing, the New York Times reported.

How to see comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Prepare to do your sky gazing after sunset. On Saturday, the comet will appear close to the horizon about 45 minutes after sunset and will set about 90 minutes after sunset, according to Space.com. Getting to a location away from bright city lights and a pair of binoculars will help your viewing experience.

The Oklahoman reporters Josh Kelly and John Tufts contributed to this article.

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.