A Night Under the Stars: Comet-Chasing, Hunter Moon, and Starlink Surprise!

Chasing Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS in Margate

On Friday night, a group of us gathered in Margate as the sun dipped below the horizon, eager to witness a rare celestial event: Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS. Discovered earlier this year by astronomers from China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory and the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) project, this comet has caused a stir among sky-watchers. Its last visit to Earth was over 80,000 years ago, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see it. It’s estimated that this comet will be the brightest one visible to the naked eye since NEOWISE graced our skies in 2020. Armed with hope and excitement, we set out to catch a glimpse of its glowing arc.

A Full Moon in Aries: The Hunter Moon Rises

As we waited for the comet, we knew the moonrise was only moments away. With the tide incredibly low, we walked out onto the beach, hoping to catch the full Hunter Moon rising behind the iconic harbour arm and Turner Contemporary. When it appeared, the sight was breathtaking—a rich, orange glow that lit up the autumn sky. The Hunter Moon, traditionally marking the time when our ancestors would prepare for the harsh winter ahead, has long been a symbol of action, preparation, and resourcefulness. In astrology, this particular full moon in Aries carries the energy of bold new beginnings, courage, and fiery independence. It was a beautiful reminder of the cycles of nature and the seasonal shifts we experience on Earth.

A Journey to Find the Comet

As dusk gave way to night, we scanned the sky for the comet, eager to capture it against Margate’s stunning coastline. However, despite our best efforts, light pollution from the town and the brilliance of the full moon made it difficult to see the comet with the naked eye. Undeterred, we decided to move locations, bundling into the van and heading to a darker spot away from the town’s glow. And finally, with our eyes adjusted and the conditions right, we could just make out the faint trail of Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS, a cosmic traveler from beyond.

What is Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS?

Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS is a long-period comet, meaning it takes tens of thousands of years to complete a single orbit around the Sun. Discovered in January 2023, it has captured the attention of astronomers and sky-watchers alike due to its expected brightness as it passes close to Earth. The comet’s nucleus, made of ice, dust, and gas, sublimates as it nears the Sun, creating a glowing coma and a long, trailing tail visible from Earth.

Starlink Satellites: A Surprise Spectacle

Just when we thought the night couldn’t offer more surprises, the sky delivered something quite surreal. A line of lights suddenly appeared—a train of Starlink satellites rising one by one from the horizon and streaking silently across the sky. It was bizarre to watch, an eerie yet fascinating sight, as these man-made objects ascended into space, tracing a path all the way to the zenith above us.

What is Starlink and How Does it Work?

Starlink, a project by SpaceX, is a satellite constellation designed to provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote parts of the planet. The satellites, small and lightweight, are launched in batches and orbit the Earth at low altitudes. Each satellite communicates with ground stations to deliver internet coverage, and together, the constellation aims to bridge the global digital divide. The train of satellites we saw was part of this massive constellation, as they continue to be deployed in space. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites are visible to the naked eye because they reflect sunlight as they move through the sky, creating the appearance of a string of lights rising one by one from the horizon.

Reflections on the Night Sky

As I stood there, watching the Starlink satellites and thinking about the comet, I couldn’t help but wonder what our nature-connected ancestors—those who lived in harmony with the lunar calendar and the rhythms of the seasons—would think of life on Earth today. The disconnection from the natural world and its cycles feels stark, but standing under the night sky with kindred souls, I felt a spark of hope. There are still people who remember the magick of the cosmos, who pause to gather in awe and remind us that we are part of nature, not separate from it.

Did you get a glimpse of the comet, the full moon, or the Starlink satellites? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!