Hello fellow star gazers! 🌌 As an amateur astronomer and night sky enthusiast, I’m beyond excited to share that Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)—the most talked-about comet of 2024—is already gracing our skies! Right now, observers in the Southern Hemisphere are enjoying its brilliance, and it won’t be long before us in the Northern Hemisphere can join in on the excitement. So grab your binoculars and stargazing apps, because tonight could be your chance to catch this spectacular cosmic visitor!

What Makes C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) So Special?

Let’s dive into why this comet is capturing the imagination of so many. To begin with, C/2023 A3 is expected to be exceptionally bright. While its future brightness is still a work in progress (thanks to the unpredictable nature of comets), most sources agree that we might see it with the naked eye. If we’re lucky, it could even outshine the iconic Comet NEOWISE from the summer of 2020. Hasn’t it been a while since we’ve seen a comet this remarkable?

Additionally, C/2023 A3 is anticipated to develop an awe-inspiring cometary tail. After it swings past the Sun at a distance similar to Mercury’s orbit, the heat will cause its icy core to evaporate dramatically, leading to the formation of an impressive tail made of dust and gas. If history teaches us anything, it’s that comets heated by the Sun often exhibit the most striking tails.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, this is particularly exciting! The last time we saw such a bright comet visible from northern latitudes was during the 1997 spectacle of Comet Hale-Bopp.

How to Spot C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the Night Sky

Curious about how you can locate this celestial beauty? The Star Walk 2 app is your best friend! Here’s a quick guide to help you find it:

1. Download and open the Star Walk 2 app.
2. Tap the magnifier icon located at the bottom left of the screen.
3. Type in “C/2023 A3” and select the relevant search result.
4. Hold your device up to the sky, and the app will point you directly to the comet’s current position!

Is C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) Visible Now?

Good news for those in the Southern Hemisphere! Currently, C/2023 A3 is visible in the mornings, appearing low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. With a current magnitude of about 2.6, it’s brighter than anticipated and continues to brighten daily.

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, the comet is a bit more challenging to see due to the Sun’s brightness; however, it’ll start becoming visible in early October.

Visibility Forecast: What Lies Ahead

Let’s paint a picture of what to expect in the coming weeks:

• September 27 – October 2: This is when the comet reaches perihelion, appearing in the early morning sky.
• October 10-12: The comet will become more visible in the evening, shortly after sunset, in the constellation Virgo. These dates are critical as it will be at its brightest around October 12, making it easier to see with the naked eye.
• October 15-31: The comet will fade but will still be visible with binoculars and telescopes.

The best time for observation is likely from October 10-12, just after sunset. So get out there—don’t miss the chance to witness this celestial wonder!

Tips for Photographing C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

If you’re an aspiring astrophotographer like me and you want to capture this comet on film, consider following these steps:

1. Gear up: Have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle or zoom lens ready.
2. Camera Settings: Use manual mode with an ISO setting between 400 and 800, and a wide aperture of f/2.8 to f/4 to let in enough light.
3. Location Matters: Pick a dark spot far from city lights. Star Walk 2 can help you find the comet’s exact location.
4. Take Multiple Shots: For detailed images, take a series of photographs and use software like DeepSkyStacker for stacking.
5. Post-processing: Tools like Photoshop will help refine your final image.

The Journey Ahead: What’s Next for C/2023 A3?

As we all wait in eager anticipation, it’s worth noting that C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is on a long journey. It completes one orbit around the Sun roughly every 80,660 years! If you’re wondering what the future holds, after its approach in October, this comet will slowly fade from view and won’t return until the year 26,000.

To Wrap Up

Excitement is in the air as we prepare to welcome this spectacular comet! C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is already putting on a show for observers in the Southern Hemisphere, and soon it will light up the skies for us in the North. As we gear up for this enchanting astronomical event, don’t forget to download the Star Walk 2 app to help you navigate the night sky like a pro.

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Let’s get ready to bask in the glow of C/2023 A3—happy stargazing, everyone! 🌠

Useful References

https://vitotechnology.com/apps/star-walk

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C/2023_A3_(Tsuchinshan%E2%80%93ATLAS)

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/comet-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Dr. Heather Levites of LevityLifts Joins PSofA, Bringing Her Expertise to the Platform

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 25, 2024  /PRNewswire/ — Plastic Surgeons of America (PSofA), a new product from Hyperspace Ventures, is set to revolutionize the plastic surgery industry with its cutting-edge platform designed to enhance the way patients find and connect with leading surgeons. Utilizing an advanced matching algorithm and artificial intelligence, PSofA streamlines the process for individuals seeking quality surgical care.

The platform was built by Hyperspace Ventures, a North Carolina-founded firm with a history of building successful tech products. PSofA is available on all devices and hosts a plethora of valuable features for the patient and surgeon:

For Patients

• Find top plastic surgeons by procedure and location and match with confidence
• Browse individual surgeon profiles in-depth and read trusted reviews
• Book a consult seamlessly and receive expert in-person care

For Surgeons

• Claim a profile and open up the largest channel for new patients
• Promote their personal brand and showcase their work to millions
• Drive new leads with automated consultation scheduling and EMR integration

Dr. Heather Levites, a Raleigh-based Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and founder of LevityLifts, joins PSofA with an extensive background in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She holds degrees from MIT and Stony Brook University and trained at Duke University. Her addition underscores PSofA’s commitment to making top-tier professionals available to patients.

“Plastic Surgeons of America represents a significant leap forward in patient-surgeon interactions,” said Dr. Levites. “This platform not only empowers patients with immediate access to leading surgeons but also ensures they receive personalized and high-quality care. I am proud to be part of this innovative initiative.”

For more information visit plasticsurgeonsofamerica.com.

About Plastic Surgeons of America

Plastic Surgeons of America is designed to enhance the connection between patients and plastic surgeons. PSofA offers a streamlined and efficient way for individuals to confidently find qualified plastic surgeons, ensuring a higher standard of care and patient satisfaction.

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About Hyperspace Ventures

Hyperspace Ventures is a North Carolina-founded software design, development, and venture capital firm. Their successes include the tennis and pickleball e-learning platform TopCourt and productivity tool Space Dial. Find them at hyperspaceventures.com.

About Dr. Heather Levites
Dr. Heather Levites is the founder of LevityLifts and a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a specialty in advanced cosmetic surgery. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and co-founded “The Resident Review” podcast. Find her at levitylifts.com.

SOURCE Hyperspace Ventures; Plastic Surgeons of America

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

As a passionate pickleball enthusiast, I’m always thrilled to see innovative ways to promote the sport, especially when it helps improve the lives of our older adults. That’s why I’m particularly excited about Ludica Health’s recent announcement during Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 23-27, 2024). The company has just launched a new pickleball-themed video game on its interactive exercise app, LudoFit! This game not only captures the fun of pickleball but also aims to reduce fall risks among older adults.

The Importance of Falls Prevention

Falls pose a significant threat to older adults, with the CDC reporting that about one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of effective fall prevention strategies. LudoFit’s innovative approach is a breath of fresh air, as it combines entertainment with the critical elements of strength, balance, coordination, and reaction time—factors essential in reducing fall risk.

A Game-Changer in Home Exercise

The newly launched pickleball-themed game transports players to a virtual court where they can enjoy the exhilarating dynamics of this beloved sport right from the comfort of their home. “Pickleball perfectly aligns with LudoFit’s mission,” said Mark Evin, Founder and CEO of Ludica Health. This game allows older adults to engage in physical activity while sidestepping and swinging their arms for forehand and backhand shots, resembling a real pickleball match!

What excites me even more is that LudoFit adapts to all ability levels. Everyone, regardless of fitness or mobility, can participate and benefit from this engaging experience. It’s an inspiring step forward in promoting physical activity among older adults who may not have been able to access traditional exercise venues.

Transforming Exercise into Play

I’ve seen firsthand how much of a barrier balance issues can be for seniors wanting to try pickleball. That’s what makes this game such a fantastic opportunity—users can experience the thrill of pickleball without the fear of falling on the court. As Kim Cozart, a 63-year-old user remarked, “I’ve wanted to try pickleball, but with my balance issues, I don’t want to fall. This game gives me an opportunity to play pickleball without actually having to be on the court.”

User Impact

LudoFit’s pickleball game has already garnered positive responses from users who appreciate its fun and safe approach to exercise. Dr. Samim Hasham, 64, described the experience, saying, “This game is great. It keeps your attention. You feel really good. You feel active.” This kind of feedback highlights the need for engaging and accessible exercise options for our older population.

Mike Studer, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, reinforced the training benefits of the game, noting it helps users improve agility and reaction times without feeling like they’re doing tedious exercises. This playful approach to training is sure to make a huge difference in fall prevention efforts.

Join the Movement!

LudoFit is available through a monthly subscription of just $15, making it an affordable option for many seniors looking to stay active. You can check it out at https://ludo.fit. The combination of pickleball fun with serious health benefits makes this game a must-try for seniors, caregivers, and families alike.

As a devoted advocate for pickleball, I can’t help but celebrate initiatives like this that bring the joy of our beloved sport to a broader audience while improving health outcomes. Kudos to Ludica Health for creating such an impactful game that not only entertains but also focuses on making a real difference in people’s lives. Let’s embrace this new way to stay active and engaged in pickleball!

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For more information about Ludica Health and its innovative health and wellness solutions, visit
www.ludicahealth.com, or follow them on X and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Ludica Health Inc.

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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