**Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas Dazzles Skies Over Cincinnati**

CINCINNATI - Stargazers in Cincinnati were treated to a celestial spectacle on Thursday night as Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas made a brilliant appearance in the night sky. Thanks to the clear weather, the comet was visible to the naked eye, with the aid of binoculars or telescopes providing an even more impressive view.

Local residents in areas such as Goshen, Middletown, Oxford, and Franklin had the best chance to spot the comet at around 8:45 p.m., shortly after sunset. This sighting comes as part of a series of passes the comet has been making near Earth over the past week.

Comets, including Tsuchinshan-Atlas, are remnants from the formation of the solar system billions of years ago. As these icy bodies approach the sun, they warm up and develop the iconic streaming tails that make them such captivating objects for observers.

Discovered last year, Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, also known as C/2023 A3, is named after the observatories in China and South Africa that first identified it. Originating from the distant Oort Cloud beyond Pluto, the comet made its closest approach to Earth at about 44 million miles (71 million kilometers). After this journey, it won't return for another 80,000 years—assuming it survives its voyage around the sun.

Comet sightings like this are relatively rare. Although several comets are discovered annually, many either burn up when nearing the sun or remain too distant for easy observation. Larry Denneau, a lead researcher with the Atlas telescope project, noted the rarity of Tsuchinshan-Atlas's visibility without requiring special equipment.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, the opportunity extends until the end of October. The best time to view the comet is about an hour after sunset by looking towards the western horizon. This viewing chance is available to both the northern and southern hemispheres, offering a rare opportunity to witness one of the solar system's ancient travelers.