A celestial spectacle has unfolded across northern China as Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS graced the skies, captivating astronomy enthusiasts with its stunning display over north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and northwest China's Qinghai Province.
The comet, with a yellow tail, was first observed by the near-Earth object telescope of the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Jan 9, 2023.
It may have formed at a distance of up to 400,000 times that between Earth and the Sun. Its coma measures about 209,000 kilometers in diameter, with a tail extending an astonishing 29 million kilometers.
Photographers in Genhe City of Inner Mongolia captured the comet streaking across a serene twilight sky on Wednesday. The time-lapse footage showcases a tranquil, deep blue atmosphere illuminated by the comet's brilliant trail, enhancing the beauty of the evening. This astronomical wonder lasted about two hours.
Meanwhile, the comet also made a dazzling appearance over the Qinghai Lake in northwest China, enchanting astronomy enthusiasts with its ethereal glow piercing through the clouds. As it vanished from view, the shimmering starlight and the comet's tail added an air of mystery to the tranquil waters of the lake.
The comet, which reached its closest distance to the Earth on Saturday, is expected to remain visible for observation and photography until late October.
The comet is widely known among the public as one that will appear again after more than 60,000 years, but experts believe that it is more likely that it may never return.
Comet C/2023 A3 sweeps across skies in north, northwest China
Europeans have called Donald Trump's recent move a "wake-up call" for the continent to defend itself after the U.S. President reduced military support for Ukraine and pressured Europe to increase defense spending.
Pivoting away from Kiev and its European partners, the Trump administration paused all military aid to Ukraine on Monday and vowed to have Europe take more responsibility for its security and spend more on defense.
"I'm not feeling safe," said a European resident, adding that the Trump administration "does not seem to be professional at all."
The diverging policies of the Trump administration have triggered alarm among Europeans who worry they might be exposed to potential security threats.
"I'm not in danger right now. But I don't know if it's still going to remain in (safe) in the future," said another interviewee in Europe.
In the face of instability, many have called for the enhancement of regional defense of Europe.
"Donald Trump being the president of the United States now is a good wake-up call for the whole of Europe and we have to make sure that we understand that we stand on our feet now," said a resident.
However, that path would ultimately lead to further concerns about surging national defense budgets, government efficiency, and more.
"Now we need to spend more on defense. Where can it come from? Very difficult. It has to be obviously extra taxation or cuts. Where do you cut?" said a European resident.
"I don't think the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) is ready to carry out what is required as their necessary tasks. And all this must now be made up for," said a German resident.
"So we are completely in agreement that the Europeans are now arming themselves, perhaps they will even manage to create a common army, but that will take years," said another interviewee from Germany.
Europeans call Trump's move "wake-up call" as US cuts support for Ukraine
