Catch the Spectacular View: Comet Lemmon Approaches Earth and Becomes Visible to the Naked Eye!

Space is full of surprises, and a recent discovery has captured our attention. An object found earlier this year was initially classified as an asteroid. But, as it passed closer to the sun, it revealed its true nature: a comet.

Astronomers from the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona spotted Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) on January 3. As it approached the sun, it developed a coma and a tail, which are classic signs of a comet.

This comet is set for its closest flyby of Earth on March 21, coming within a safe 28.6 million miles. Experts expect it to be visible to the naked eye.

If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, look low in the northwest sky about 90 minutes after sunset. Jim Todd, director of space science education at OMSI, suggests looking for a hazy, greenish cloud—the comet’s coma—and a faint blue tail.

The timing is lucky! This event coincides with a new moon, which means less moonlight to block out the comet’s glow. Still, weather can be unpredictable. As of now, forecasts suggest clear skies may allow Portlanders to catch a glimpse.

But waiting isn’t necessary. You can start looking for the comet now! It’s roughly 1.25 miles wide and currently sits in the constellation Canes Venatici, about 91.4 million miles from us. It will move into the neighboring constellation Bootes on October 20.

For guidance, locate it about halfway between Beta Bootis and the bright star Arcturus. If you struggle to see it, getting away from city lights and using binoculars could help.

Comets are intriguing celestial bodies made of ice and dust. As they heat up near the sun, the ice sublimates into gas, forming tails of vapor. According to The Sky Live, Comet Lemmon has already brightened to a magnitude of 4.8, which means many people should be able to see it without equipment, though light pollution may hinder visibility.

To explore more about this comet, you might find additional resources on how to observe it effectively. If you miss this one, don’t worry too much—it won’t return until the year 3175!

Keep looking up; there’s much to discover about our universe!

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Comet Lemmon,Astronomy,Naked eye,Mount Lemmon Survey,Solar system,Constellation,Visibility,Weather