Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS C/2023 A3 is now visible an hour or more after sunset in the west. The comet is faint and is easier to see with the help of a pair of binoculars. We and a lot of Vineyarders were able to watch the comet last Tuesday night, and a few saw it the previous night.

The comet is almost due west, to the right and above the bright planet Venus. Astronomers estimate the comet is hovering around 3rd magnitude which makes it well within reach of most who have good vision and an unobstructed view of the sky. Yesterday's full moon, the Pumpkin Moon rising in the east makes scouting the comet a challenge all the way on the other side of the sky, in the west. The moon is bright and it brightens the whole night sky. This will change in the nights ahead, the moon will rise later in the night.

Beginning this weekend and even better next week, the moon rises late enough in the evening to no longer have an influence on the brightness of the night sky early in the evening.

This will help all viewers looking west.

The comet is also appearing a bit higher each night ahead. The best viewing of the comet is ahead, however it is gradually losing its brightness. The comet's movement will only be slightly noticeable looking ahead.

The key element to seeing the comet is clear, cloudless skies and the help of a pair of binoculars. The Internet is has a host of websites offering charts to help you find it.