Upcoming Comet Sighting: A Treat for Astronomy Enthusiasts

In the coming weeks, astronomy enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to witness a new comet heading towards the sun. This new visitor to the inner solar system is expected to brighten, making it easily visible through small telescopes or good binoculars. It may even be visible to the naked eye in areas with clear, dark skies.

Discovery of Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) was discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey using a 60-inch Cassegrain reflector telescope. This telescope is located at the Mount Lemmon Observatory and is operated by the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. The survey focuses on discovering near-Earth objects such as asteroids and comets that may have orbits approaching Earth.

Initially, when the comet was first imaged, it was thought to be an asteroid. However, subsequent observations revealed it to be a comet, and an earlier image of it from November 2024 was found.

Comet’s Path and Orbital Characteristics

The comet’s path was calculated based on 117 observed positions between November 2024 and August 2025. The comet is expected to reach its closest point to the sun on November 8 and its closest point to Earth on October 20. It is believed that the comet has visited the solar system before, with calculations indicating an orbital period of approximately 1350 years.

The comet’s path was influenced by a close approach to Jupiter, which reduced its orbital energy and shortened its orbital period by about 200 years.

How to View the Comet

Currently, the comet is a morning object, located in the faint constellation of Cancer. Its brightness and movement are expected to increase as it approaches Earth. It will be clearly visible for the first time on the morning of October 6 when it crosses the border of the constellation Ursa Major. At this time, the comet will be an easy target for binoculars.

The comet will be visible in the evening from October 12 onwards, appearing in the northwestern horizon about 90 minutes after sunset.

Brightness Expectations

Expectations for the comet’s brightness vary. Some experts predict it could reach a brightness level between +4 and +5, making it visible to the naked eye. However, more conservative estimates suggest its brightness may not exceed +7.3, making it visible only through binoculars and small telescopes.

Conclusion

Observing Comet Lemmon will be a wonderful experience for astronomy enthusiasts, but they should be prepared for different outcomes, as comets are known for their unpredictable changes in brightness. The comet might surprise us with an increase in brightness or may not be as visible as expected.