Comet Lemmon and the Upcoming Supermoon

As Comet Lemmon fades from view, celestial enthusiasts may still have a chance to spot the comet before it disappears into the outer reaches of the solar system. Meanwhile, astronomers are keeping a close eye on Comet 3I/ATLAS as it approaches the Sun and Earth in the coming weeks. The most exciting celestial event of the season, however, is the "supermoon" of 2025, which will appear 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent more brilliant than a full Moon on November 5.

Key Takeaways:

• Comet Lemmon has been visible in the evening skies, but its viewing window is closing as it heads towards the outer solar system.
• Comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to the Sun on October 29 and is expected to pass Earth on December 19, after which it may never be seen again.
• The supermoon of 2025 will be the largest and brightest of the year, appearing 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent more brilliant than the faintest full Moon.
• Saturn will remain visible in the evening sky, appearing to the left of the Moon on Saturday and to the right on Sunday.
• The Moon will pair beautifully with the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) on the evening of November 6.
• Venus can be seen in the morning sky, setting approximately one hour before sunrise.

Statistics:

• Comet Lemmon was last visible in 629 and won't be seen again until 3421.
• Comet 3I/ATLAS is traveling at 36mph and has an estimated age of 11 billion years old.
• The supermoon of 2025 will be 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent more brilliant than the faintest full Moon.
• The average distance from Earth of the Moon is 238,855 miles.
• Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired by this same type of extreme lunar event when writing his 1861 poem "A Psalm of Life", where he mentions 'Take it for granted that the night will shorten. When it does, the men will either be crossing, as usual, or living in the suburbs.'

Sources:

• "The Nights Sky" (Source: thenightsky@themoon.co.uk)