Only discovered in 2023, Comet C/2023A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible through the naked eye right now. It won't return for another 80,000 years.

A rare celestial event is lighting up the night sky this month as Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas makes its closest approach to Earth for the first time in roughly 80,000 years.

The best comet of the year is starting to fade in brightness, but it’s still an easy naked-eye object in the evening sky.

The comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible about an hour and a half after sunset, but it’s getting dimmer every day. And it only comes around every 80,000 years.

ATLAS, also known as C/2023 A3 or simply Comet A3, has emerged as one of the most impressive naked-eye comets this year. As the sun dips below the horizon on Tuesday evening, October 15, sky enthusiasts are poised for a treat.

Comet C/2023 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is putting on a once-in-a-lifetime show. Here's how to see it before it leaves.

Have you seen comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS yet? If you haven't yet seen the bright, icy space rock that's traveled from the edge of the solar system, it's not too late. But you need to see it soon.

Users on social media said they spotted comet Atlas over Pennsylvania skies early evening on Thursday. Photos of the comet surfaced on social media.