Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is still visible for a few more days (until about November 1). A visitor from the outermost regions of our solar system, the comet passed closest to the Sun on September 27 and is now on its way back to deep space. It won’t return to earth for another 80,000 years.
The comet can be seen in the west as soon as the sky is dark, after 7 p.m. or so. Your phone’s camera may be able to help you find it. Hold the camera as still as possible. You may be able to see the streak of the comet’s tail in the photograph before you see it with your eye alone. Binoculars may give a better view, once you have found it. More information is available in this article from “Sky and Telescope”.
Don Hunton is a retired scientist living in South Acton.