A newfound comet has been gracing the night sky recently, with now being the ideal moment to catch a glimpse of it. Known as Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon, this celestial object was first spotted by astronomer David C. Fuls on January 3 through the Mount Lemmon survey, a program dedicated to detecting near-Earth objects.
Although the comet made its closest approach to Earth on Tuesday, it has since ascended higher in the sky, presenting an excellent opportunity for viewing. According to Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society in London, Comet Lemmon is currently at its peak visibility.
If you want to witness this phenomenon, now is the time, as the comet won’t return for another 1,300 years. To locate Comet Lemmon, look towards the western sky after dusk. By identifying the Big Dipper and tracing a line from the first star in its handle to the star Arcturus in the Boötes constellation, you can find the comet positioned above and to the left of Arcturus.
Over the coming days, Comet Lemmon will continue its journey towards the southwestern sky, maintaining a similar altitude. While amateur astronomers have captured impressive images of the comet, the naked eye will perceive it as a fuzzy object in the sky.
For optimal viewing, consider Friday as the moon’s illumination will be minimal, enhancing visibility. The comet will remain visible in the Northern Hemisphere until mid-November, after which it will gradually descend towards the southwestern horizon. Utilize astronomy apps like SkySafari and Stellarium to aid in locating Comet Lemmon.