Comet Lemmon is a long period comet discovered in 2012 that has slowly crossed the inner Solar System. Its blue green ion tail and greenish coma make it a favorite target for astronomers and astrophotographers tracking its path through the stars.
As of early 2024, the comet continues to dim as it recedes beyond Mars, but it remains observable with moderate telescopes under dark skies.
| Property | Value | Reference Epoch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Constellation | Cetus (variable) | 2024-06-01 | Position changes nightly; verify with planetarium software |
| Right Ascension | ~01h 30m | 2024-06-01 | J2000 coordinates; shifts due to orbital motion |
| Declination | ~−10° | 2024-06-01 | Southern celestial hemisphere visibility improves in southern latitudes |
| Distance from Earth | ~1.2 AU | 2024-06-01 | 1 AU ≈ 149.6 million km; varies continuously |
| Orbital Period | ~11,000 years | Epoch 2000 | Long period hyperbolic orbit; sensitive to planetary perturbations |
| Perihelion Date | 2013-03-06 | Exact | Closest approach to the Sun inside Earth's orbit |
Observing Comet Lemmon Tonight
Comet Lemmon follows an orbit that brings it from the outer Solar System inward past Mars, then back out toward the Oort Cloud. For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the comet is best placed during morning twilight when it climbs above the eastern horizon. In the Southern Hemisphere, it appears higher in the evening sky around nautical twilight, offering steadier viewing conditions.
Finding Comet Lemmon in Your Sky
To locate Comet Lemmon, start with known bright stars and constellations, then use a star chart or planetarium app to refine the coordinates. Telescopes with GoTo mounts can slewing to the current RA and Dec reliably, while binocular users should scan slowly along the predicted path. Light pollution filters can enhance contrast for faint cometary features, but they may also dim the comet's delicate tail structures.
Comet Lemmon Through Different Instruments
Small aperture telescopes reveal a condensed coma and a short tail, while larger instruments show more detail in the ion and dust tails. Astrophotographers stack multiple short exposures to bring out subtle structures, and narrowband filters can help isolate key emission lines. Careful focus and polar alignment improve tracking performance and reduce trailing during longer integrations.
Tracking Orbital Changes Over Time
Because the comet's orbit is highly sensitive to gravitational interactions, predictions beyond a few years carry larger uncertainties. Amateur and professional observers regularly update ephemerides using astrometric measurements. Over decades, planetary encounters may slightly alter the period, inclination, and perihelion distance, changing how far Comet Lemmon ventures from the Sun.
Key Takeaways for Comet Lemmon Observers
- Track its position nightly using updated ephemerides from reputable sources.
- Plan observations during twilight when the comet is higher and sky contrast is favorable.
- Use telescopes or binoculars for detailed views, and stack images for astrophotography.
- Account for light pollution and atmospheric extinction when planning sessions.
- Coordinate with local astronomy clubs to share real time updates on brightness and location.
FAQ
Reader questions
When is Comet Lemmon easiest to see from mid latitudes?
Comet Lemmon is easiest to see during morning twilight for Northern Hemisphere observers and during evening twilight for Southern Hemisphere observers, when it stands higher above the horizon and passes through darker skies.
Do I need a telescope to see Comet Lemmon?
Most experienced observers use telescopes or high quality binoculars to resolve the coma and tail, but under exceptionally dark skies, experienced observers with keen eyesight may glimpse a faint glow near predicted coordinates.
Can astrophotography capture Comet Lemmon's colors?
Yes, long exposure imaging with broadband and narrowband filters can reveal the greenish coma from diatomic carbon and the blue ion tail dominated by carbon monoxide, producing striking composite images. With an orbital period of roughly 11,000 years, this is a long period comet that does not return on human timescales; its next close approach to the Sun will not occur for many millennia.