There’s been a brand new comet within the sky in current weeks, however now’s the perfect time to see it for your self.
Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon was found by astronomer David C. Fuls on January 3 as a part of the Mount Lemmon survey, which is a near-Earth object detection program.
It handed closest to Earth on Tuesday, when it was seen close to the horizon. Nevertheless, the comet has now risen somewhat larger within the sky, making now an opportune time to watch it.
“Comet Lemmon is virtually at its greatest visibility proper now,” stated Robert Massey, deputy government director of the Royal Astronomical Society in London, in a press release.
And for those who lose it now, you will by no means see it once more: it will not come again till 1,300 years from now.
WATCH | Discovering Comet Lemmon in Halifax:
The place and when to look
The comet will be discovered within the western sky as quickly because it will get darkish.
For those who have a look at Ursa Main, the primary star on the deal with of the “spoon” factors to a vibrant star known as Arcturus, which is a part of the constellation Bootes.
Comet Lemmon will be discovered above and to the left of the unmistakably vibrant star.
Over the following few days, it should proceed to maneuver towards the southwestern sky and stay at the same altitude.
Though beginner astronomers have supplied gorgeous photos of Comet Lemmon, do not count on to see it. As a substitute, it should appear to be a fuzzy object within the sky.
“It gained’t be like Hale-Bopp was for many who bear in mind it within the late Nineteen Nineties, and even NEOWISE in 2020, it is going to be somewhat exhausting to see along with your eyes,” Massey stated.
“However that stated, it is a fairly vibrant comet because it goes. The truth that you’ll be able to see it simply with binoculars makes it fairly uncommon, and I believe for that cause alone it is one thing to go and luxuriate in, particularly for those who’ve by no means seen a comet earlier than.”
The comet has brightened considerably over the previous month and is seen to the bare eye in fairly darkish places. However individuals in cities are additionally seeing it utilizing binoculars.
Friday is an effective time to seize it, because the moon is just about 9 p.c illuminated and stays beneath the horizon. The moon will proceed to rise larger within the sky and shine because it enters its first quarter on Monday.
Comet Lemmon will likely be seen within the Northern Hemisphere till mid-November, however after Sunday it should start to descend over the southwestern horizon.
To seek out the comet you should use apps like SkySafari and Stellariumbetween others.
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