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Comet Lemmon Comes Into Naked-Eye View Tonight Across the Northern Hemisphere

This rare visitor will not return for roughly 1,350 years.

Overview

  • Skywatchers can look just after sunset on October 21 near bright Arcturus in Boötes for their first clear look.
  • Viewing guides highlight a favorable stretch through late October, with October 25–31 flagged as especially promising nights.
  • The comet’s path shifts from Boötes toward Hercules and Serpens, approaching the region of Scorpius near Antares by November.
  • Observers report two distinct tails, a bluish ion tail and a yellower dust tail, as the object continues to brighten.
  • For best results, seek dark skies or use 7–12× binoculars, and for phone photos use a tripod, Night/Astro mode, ISO 1600–3200 and 5–10 second exposures.