Overview

• The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan says the comet reaches closest approach to Earth on Oct. 21 and should continue brightening as it nears the Sun.
• Observing conditions are forecast to be favorable into about Nov. 2, with Oct. 25 highlighted as an especially good night before moonlight worsens; perihelion comes around Nov. 8.
• Estimates now point toward about 3rd‑magnitude brightness, raising the possibility of naked‑eye visibility from dark sites, with binoculars recommended for clearer views.
• Look roughly an hour after sunset, low in the western sky at a modest altitude near 18 degrees, while accounting for low elevation and competing moonlight.
• Discovered in January 2025 by the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona, the long‑period comet is making a return not seen since roughly 1,300–1,350 years ago.