A comet discovered earlier this year will reach its closest point to Earth this fall. Named after the observatory where it was spotted, Comet Lemmon offers a rare viewing opportunity before it vanishes for over a millennium. Astronomers first detected it in January at the Mt. Lemmon Observatory in Arizona.
In early January 2025, observers at the Mt. Lemmon Observatory in Arizona noticed a faint light spot in the sky. Follow-up observations confirmed it as a comet originating from the outer edge of the solar system. The celestial visitor was officially designated Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6), named after the site of its discovery.
This long-period comet has an orbital cycle of about 1,350 years, meaning it completes a full journey around the sun once every 1,350 years. After its current pass through the inner solar system, it will head back to the outer reaches, not returning for another approximately 1,000 years.
The comet's closest approach to Earth is set for this fall, providing stargazers a chance to observe it before it fades from view. As a long-duration comet, its path brings it relatively near our planet during this orbital phase, though specific visibility details depend on weather and location.
The discovery highlights the role of observatories like Mt. Lemmon in monitoring distant solar system objects. Such events are infrequent, offering insights into the composition and dynamics of comets from the solar system's fringes.