Western New York sky-gazers, get ready. Something incredible could be passing through our skies this weekend. 

We’ve had plenty of chances this year to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous Northern Lights, and who could forget the way Buffalo stood still for several minutes to watch the total solar eclipse last April? 

READ MORE: LOOK: Scenes From The Solar Eclipse Across Western New York

Now we have a chance of looking up and seeing a rare, bright comet sailing through the sky this Saturday night. 

C/2023 A3 comet
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Unusual Sky Sighting In Western New York This Weekend?

Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, also known as C/2023 A3 (which admittingly, is just as tough of a name to remember), was discovered by observatories in China and South Africa last year. It’s believed to have come from what astronomers call the Oort Cloud, which is located pretty far away— we’re talking past the (planet? Not planet?) Pluto.

Comets are extremely rare, considering most of them get burned up by the sun or pass by the Earth so far away, you can only view them if you have access to NASA-level equipment (we, unfortunately, don’t). And this particular comet is one of the most rare, considering it has reportedly made trips around the solar system for tens of thousands of years. 

Some scientists and space-aficionados are calling this the “comet of the century,” so you don’t want to miss it. 

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Depending on weather conditions, you could spot this incredible phenomenon without any special equipment over the weekend, but binoculars and/or a telescope could help. Here’s when you can see it in the Buffalo area. 

When To Go Outside To See The C/2023 A3 Comet In Western New York

The best time to spot the comet is reportedly this Saturday night, October 12th, when the comet will be closest to Earth. 

It’s advised to head outside about an hour after sunset, in the darkest conditions possible, and look low in the southwestern sky. The popular comet will look like a fuzzy, glowing circle with a tail dragging behind it. 

What Is Saturday Night’s Weather Forecast In Buffalo?

The National Weather Service predicts that the Western New York area will see some clouds, so hopefully they won’t obstruct the view of the Tsuchinshan-Atlas comet. Thankfully, we’re not expected to see any rain until well after midnight. 

That being said, fall is definitely here, and lows are expected to be 45 degrees, so now might be the time to bust out the warm jackets, hats, and gloves you’ve kept tucked away in the closet. 

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