Calgary astronomers 'holding their breath' in hopes of seeing Comet A3 in coming weeks

If conditions are right, we'll have a 'first row' seat for celestial spectacle, astronomer says

Local astronomers have been eagerly waiting to see if the highly anticipated Comet C/2023 A3 will survive its closest brush with the sun this week.

The comet — which was projected to reach its closest point to the sun as early as noon Friday — was still in formation late Friday afternoon, meaning Calgarians can likely expect to see the rare object in evening skies in the coming weeks, according to Jeroen Stil, associate astronomy professor at the University of Calgary.