Cloud Break Optics

Happy Saturday! Is anyone else in need of some retail therapy this weekend? (I know I definitely am 🔭)

Here are some cult favorites for you: a nice, blue MallinCam 💙, and a sweet Half Hitch mount! Check out these and more on CBO's Used Gear Page 🫡

C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, captured by (probably) the youngest astrophotographer in Colorado! 💫

This shot is by 7th grader Aiden Pahl, who spotted the comet last night. 💫 It’s really incredible how long A3 has been visible, even as it gets further and further away from us. Good eye, Aiden!

There’s been a LOT of chatter about C/2023 A3 over the weekend! We’re super excited to see it appear in the evening sky soon 🤩

While we wait, here are some C/2023 A3 fun facts! Check out this Scientific American article for more info :)
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/will-comet-tsuchinshan-atlas-be-the-brightest-of-the-year/

Exciting news! As of today, we have TWO potentially-super-bright comets coming in hot. C/2024 S1 ATLAS just received its official comet designation, and looks to be a Kreutz sungrazer.

💥 Sungrazers, as the name suggests, get REALLY close to the sun at perihelion, and are often really bright. The pictured comet, Ikeya-Seki, was a Kreutz sungrazer that was so bright it was visible during the day. There's no telling exactly how bright this one will get, but our fingers are crossed 🤞

Check back in coming days for more info about C/2024 S1 ATLAS: when it's expected to peak, where in the sky to look for it, and more - plus more detailed info on A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, lest we forget.

Time for more featured items on consignment! 📸
It's no secret that astrophotography can get pricey. Check out the Used Gear tab on CBO's website to find deals on trusted favorites (like iOptron mounts), plus a chance to snag things that we don't normally carry (like DSLR lenses)! 😊

News alert! Anyone remember ✨ Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS? ✨
This comet has been much discussed over the last two years, with many fearing that it would start to break up and disintegrate as it approached the sun. However, new reports show that A3 is right on track to keep brightening until it reaches its nearest approach in October! 🌠 No guarantees, of course, but we could be looking at an incredible comet show this fall. ✨
Check out this write-up full of awesome plots and exciting predictions from the British Astronomical Association, featured here: https://britastro.org/section_news_item/comet-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas-looking-good-for-october