New comet in Oregon sky captured in dramatic photos

Newly discovered comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible in the skies above Oregon, and local photographers have captured the event in dramatic photos.

The comet was discovered in 2023 by "by observers at China's Tsuchinshan – or "Purple Mountain" – Observatory and an ATLAS ( Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System ) telescope in South Africa," according to a NASA press release .

Scientists originally thought the comet might disintegrate before passing by Earth.

C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible with the naked eye at night, NASA said. And after Oct. 14 "may remain visible at the midway point between the bright star Arcturus and the planet Venus." The comet is expected to stay close enough to be seen from Earth until early November.

Oregonian/OregonLive photographer Dave Killen caught the comet on camera from Steens Mountain in eastern Oregon on Oct. 14.

Local photographer Jarrod Lyman also shared this photo of the comet, taken in east Gresham on Oct. 12.

Tribune News Service reported that the comet won't be viewable from Earth again for 80,000 years, according to NASA.

Most Popular Stories by Julie Evensen

This Oregon campground is one of the top 5 in the U.S.

Tonya Harding, Nancy Kerrigan story broke 30 years ago

Portland is a top city for pizza, yet another ranking says

Portland's pizza is some of the best in the world, a new ranking says

This Portland neighborhood is one of the 5 best in the world