Solar Wind Predictions at Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)

This page shows the solar wind conditions at comet C/2023 A3 over the following days, using the HUXt solar wind model. It is updated daily and will highlight any periods of interest for comet observers, such as increased solar activity, a magnetic polarity change or a CME arrival at the comet which could result in a tail disconnection event. We currently have two models which can determine the solar wind conditions at the comet and we would like you to help us test which is more accurate. By observing the comet over this period and sending in your images we can determine which model is performing better.

	Observing Times of Interest for Images (UT)
Model 1	13-10-2024 18:30 – 19-10-2024 04:00
Model 2	13-10-2024 18:30 – 19-10-2024 04:00

Model 1 is showing not much activity, but it has potentially just left a faster solar wind stream so there may be residue evidence of this in the ion tail. There is a potential current sheet crossing coming up in the next week.	Model 2 is also showing little activity, but some remnants of a faster solar wind stream. Again, a potential current sheet crossing coming up over the next week.

Time series of the solar wind conditions at Comet C/2023 A3 over the previous 3 days and the predicted conditions for the following 5 days for both with and without data-assimilation. Times given in UT. Todays date is represented by the black solid line.

There is also currently a Coronal Mass Ejection heading in the direction of the comet and this could cause disruption to the ion tail.

For more information or if you would like to provide an image of the comet, please contact s.r.watson@pgr.reading.ac.uk. Please include the time and location the image was taken and if possible the field of view.