Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Over Salt Lake City’s Night Sky in October 2024

This mesmerizing photo, taken from Salt Lake City in October 2024, showcases Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as it streaks across the clear Utah sky. After journeying from the outer edges of the solar system, the comet made a close pass by the sun on September 27 and came within 44 miles of Earth on October 12. Skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere were treated to more sightings following its closest approach. Capturing this rare celestial event, the image highlights the comet’s radiant tail cutting through the deep blue night above the Wasatch Front.