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However, Zhang clarified that the comet’s temporary “disappearance” was not due to its position in space but rather to limitations in telescope design.
“A lot of large telescopes… can’t point very close to the horizon,” Zhang explained. “Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope also have similar limitations to where they can’t point that close to the Sun to avoid damaging their optics.”
To overcome these issues, Zhang used the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. This telescope can observe objects as close as five degrees from the Sun. This capability enabled him to catch the comet while others were unable to.
How to See Comet 31/ATLAS
Zhang said that now “anyone with a telescope of that size and a clear sky plus a low Eastern horizon” should be able to see the comet. He added, “It’s much easier with a camera, but I expect it can probably be seen visually too with a telescope of that size.”
Michigan State University astronomy professor Darryl Seligman told The Post that the comet will become even more visible in December, when it reaches its closest approach to Earth.
