Oct 16 (News On Japan) - A rare astronomical event will unfold next week as Comet Lemmon makes its closest approach to Earth on October 21st, offering skywatchers a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that will not return for roughly 1,400 years.
The blue-green comet, captured in a photograph taken in Yamanashi Prefecture on October 14th, was discovered in January 2025 by astronomers at the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona, giving the comet its name.
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan says the comet will become increasingly visible from October 21st and remain easy to observe until the end of the month. During this period, it will gradually shift its position from the northwest to the west, and the best viewing time is expected to be between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Experts recommend photographing the comet with a smartphone rather than relying solely on the naked eye. Takumi Inoue of the astronomy group at the Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum advised that using a small tripod or a stable platform is key to capturing clearer images. "If you can avoid touching your phone while taking the photo and adjust the shutter speed to about five to ten seconds, you’ll be able to verify with your own eyes that the comet has truly come close, making the experience even more enjoyable," Inoue said.
With peak visibility approaching, preparing a smartphone and heading outside on a crisp autumn evening may be the best way to witness one of the century’s most remarkable celestial events.
Source: FNN
