Comet C/2025 A6, known as Lemmon, is set to make a notable appearance in the night sky on the evenings of October 26 and 27. This celestial body will traverse the neck of the great cosmic serpent represented by the constellation Serpens Caput as it approaches its closest point to the sun in early November.
The comet, which was discovered on January 3 of this year, has been experiencing a significant increase in brightness as it journeys deeper into the inner solar system. This enhanced luminosity is due to heat from the sun vaporizing the icy materials within the comet, which forms a gaseous envelope around its nucleus. The ejected material is then swept away by the solar wind, resulting in a stunning tail that reflects sunlight.
As of recent observations, Comet Lemmon is estimated to have an apparent magnitude of approximately +4.3, according to data from the Comet Observation Database managed by the Crni Vrh Observatory in Slovenia. This level of brightness should allow it to be visible to the naked eye for observers located in areas with minimal light pollution. To catch a glimpse of the comet, look towards the western horizon at sunset on October 26, where its faint glow will be situated just beneath the triangle of stars that symbolize the head of the cosmic serpent in the constellation.
By the next evening, the comet will have moved through the neck of Serpens Caput, heading towards the constellation Ophiuchus, known as the “snake bearer.”
Unique among constellations, Serpens is divided into two distinct parts: Serpens Caput, which is located to the right of Ophiuchus, and Serpens Cauda, or the tail, positioned on the left side of the snake bearer.
While Comet Lemmon is bright enough to be seen without optical aids from suitable locations, using a telescope or binoculars may enhance the viewing experience, revealing the comet”s tail in greater detail. For those interested in astrophotography, we recommend checking out our guides on observing and photographing comets, as well as our reviews of the best equipment for night sky captures.
Editor”s Note: If you capture any photographs of Comet Lemmon and wish to share them with our readers, please send your images, comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
