On the night of October 26, Comet Lemmon will glide through the constellation Serpens Caput, the “snake’s head.” This event happens just before the comet’s close approach to the sun in early November. It’s an exciting time for skywatchers!
Magnitude is a term used to describe how bright an object appears in the night sky. The lower the number, the brighter the object. For example, the brightest stars have a magnitude around +1, while the sun has a magnitude of -27.
Comet C/2025 A6, known as Lemmon, was discovered on January 3 of this year. It has been getting brighter as it moves toward the sun. The heat from the sun vaporizes icy materials in the comet, creating a glowing tail that’s visible in the sunlight. Currently, the comet has an estimated magnitude of +4.3, which makes it visible to the naked eye from dark locations, according to the Comet Observation Database (COBS) in Slovenia.
For the best view, head to a dark spot and look to the western horizon at sunset on October 26. You’ll see the comet shining just below the triangle of stars that form Serpens Caput. The next night, it will move towards Ophiuchus, the “snake bearer.”
Serpens is special because it’s the only constellation split into two parts, with Serpens Caput on the right and Serpens Cauda, the tail, on the left. Although Comet Lemmon is bright enough to see with the naked eye, using a telescope or binoculars can enhance the view of this celestial visitor.
As of now, interest in Comet Lemmon is trending on social media, with many stargazers sharing their viewing experiences and photos. If you’re keen on capturing images of this event, be sure to check out guides on photographing comets and the best cameras for stargazing.
Mark your calendars for this cosmic spectacle. It’s a rare chance to witness the beauty of the universe right from your backyard!
