Sky watchers may soon have reasons to look up. Five comets are heading Earth’s way, with one possibly visible unaided. Small telescopes should easily capture their dazzling trails.
Which comets are approaching Earth?
The list includes C/2025 A6 (Lemmon), closest on 21 October 2025. C/2025 K1 (Atlas) will pass on 24–25 November. Interstellar visitor 3I/Atlas will arrive on 18–19 December. Comet 24P/Schanmasse will be seen on 4 January 2026. Finally, C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) will pass on 17 February 2026.
Why is Comet Lemmon attracting attention?
Comet Lemmon is predicted to be the brightest. It was discovered on 3 January 2025 in Arizona. The comet orbits the sun roughly every 1,396 years. Its last visit was around the year 629. After 2025, it will return only in 3421.
The comet is currently in Gemini during dawn skies. Observers report it brightened from magnitude 16.5 to 11 recently. Japanese comet expert Seiichi Yoshida predicts further possible brightening. If the trend continues, it may reach magnitude 5 or 4. That brightness would make it visible to the unaided eye.
Could the brightening be temporary?
The increase may be just a short outburst. Some estimates suggest brightness might peak around magnitude 7.5. Even then, small telescopes could track its glow. It may not be bright enough for naked-eye viewing.
The comet will pass closest to Earth on 21 October 2025. Its perihelion, or closest approach to the sun, follows on 8 November. During closest approach, it will appear in the sunset sky. Observers should choose western horizons free of obstructions.
How can astronomers and stargazers track it?
Finder charts show its position for Northern Hemisphere watchers. For location-specific charts, Stellarium-Web offers detailed guidance. Scientists note comets often behave erratically and unpredictably. Regular observation will be crucial over the next few weeks.
The sighting offers a rare “once in a lifetime” opportunity for observers. With five comets arriving in sequence, the night sky promises to become an exciting spectacle in the months ahead.
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