Comet Lemmon Approaches:โ Will It Be Visible to the Naked Eye?
Astronomers are tracking Comet Lemmon (C/2023 A3), a celestial visitor currently making its closest approach to Earth. While initially a challenge to observe, conditions are improving, offering โpotential viewingโ opportunities throughout October. The โขcomet’s visibility will โbe impacted by the full moon early โคinโค the month, but clearer skies are expected after Octoberโฃ 16th.
This comet, discovered in early 2023, โpresents a rare chance for observers to witness aโข relatively shining comet. Its path will take it through several constellations, beginning near theโ western horizon and moving towards the constellationโข of โขchasing dogs aroundโฃ October 16th. By the end of the month, it will be visible just after dark โin the area of the shepherd constellation, near the bright star Arcturus. Observationโฃ will be easiest during the night, andโ possibly photographic even when less โprominent.
Currentlyโข moving towards the western horizon, Comet Lemmon will enter the constellation of chasing dogs around October 16th,โค remaining observable, at least photographically, โขduring the night. Toward the end of October, the comet will appear just after dark in the constellation area of the โshepherd, close to the bright star Arcturus. The full moon at the beginning โof October โขwill hinder viewing, with optimal conditions expected after the 16th.