Table of Contents
New Bern, North Carolina’s charming colonial capital, is set to witness an extraordinary astronomical event in October 2024.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will grace our skies, offering residents and visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe one of the brightest comets in recent years.
The Discovery and Journey of Comet C/2023 A3
- Discovered on January 9, 2023, by ATLAS in South Africa
- Independently discovered a day later by China’s Purple Mountain Observatory
- Originated from the Oort cloud at the edge of our solar system
- Journey mirrors New Bern’s rich history – long, winding, and full of fascinating tales
What Makes Comet C/2023 A3 Special for New Bern?
1. Exceptional Brightness Over the Colonial Skyline
- Predicted magnitude of 0.7 at its brightest
- Potentially visible from downtown New Bern
- May appear above iconic landmarks like Christ Episcopal Church and city hall
2. A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
- Long-period comet, not expected to return for over 80,000 years
- Comparable to rare sightings of New Bern’s famous black bears in urban areas
3. A Cosmic Connection to New Bern’s Maritime Heritage
- Comet’s tail formation echoes the sailboats on the Neuse River
- Connects New Bern’s nautical past and present to space
When and Where to See Comet C/2023 A3 in New Bern
- September 28, 2024: Comet reaches perihelion
- Early October 2024: Visible in pre-dawn sky over the Neuse River
- October 13, 2024: Closest approach to Earth – prime viewing from Union Point Park
- Late October 2024: Potential evening visibility from Lawson Creek Park
How to Observe Comet C/2023 A3 in New Bern
1. Find the Perfect New Bern Vantage Point
- Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park
- Fort Macon State Park
- Croatan National Forest
2. Join Local Astronomy Events
- Watch for events organized by Craven County Parks and Recreation Department
- Look out for New Bern Astronomical Society gatherings
3. Timing is Everything in the Land of Sun and Sea
- Observe 1-2 hours before sunrise
- Consider viewing from Neuse River’s eastern banks, near Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant
4. Capture New Bern’s Celestial Moment
- Combine comet views with New Bern’s picturesque scenery for unique photographs
- Use the Neuse River waterfront as a foreground for astrophotography
The Science and Local Learning Opportunities
- Craven Community College’s Science Department: Lectures and viewing parties
- North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace: Historical significance of comets
- Craven County Public Library: Comet-themed reading programs and activities
Safety Precautions and New Bern Community Involvement
1. Respect local areas and wildlife
- Be mindful of natural habitats in Croatan National Forest and along the Neuse River
2. Community watch parties
- New Bern Police Department to coordinate safe public viewing events
3. Stay informed
- Follow local news sources like the New Bern Sun Journal for updates
Conclusion: A Cosmic Celebration in New Bern
- Unique opportunity for community gathering
- Chance to celebrate New Bern’s spirit of discovery
- A memorable chapter in the city’s rich history
:%20A%20Celestial%20Spectacle%20Over%20New%20Bern’s%20Historic%20Skyline){kind=link}