Bright Comet Amazes UAE Skywatchers

Stunning Comet Over UAE Skies: Soon Visible with Naked Eye

The astronomical community in the United Arab Emirates is celebrating another celestial spectacle: a bright comet observed in the skies over the country, which is currently visible through telescopes, but in a few days, could also be seen with the naked eye. This celestial traveler, the comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon), is on a unique orbit and it is rare for it to become so bright while passing relatively close to Earth.

A Special Visitor from Outer Space

The C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) comet was first detected on January 3, 2025, and initially could only be observed with large, professional telescopes. According to the Al-Khatm Observatory, its brightness has been steadily increasing, currently reaching a 6 magnitude, meaning it can now be well observed with a telescope under dark skies and the right conditions.

Experts believe the comet will continue to brighten and may reach 3 magnitude, making it visible to the naked eye – provided the observation is conducted from a dark, light pollution-free location.

Key October Observation Period

Astronomers suggest that the best period for observing the comet is between October 17 and 27. During this interval, not only will the C/2025 A6 become brighter, but it will also move farther from the Sun, reducing the glare from sunlight and not being hindered by moonlight.

Initially visible in the eastern sky during the early morning hours, the comet will gradually shift to the evening sky by October 15 due to its approach to the Sun, becoming viewable in the west after sunset.

Close to Humanity – Yet So Far

While the comet will pass 'close' to Earth, it will actually be approximately 90 million kilometers from our planet on October 21. In spatial terms, this is considered a relatively close encounter, but it poses no threat to Earth.

The C/2025 A6 comet orbits the Sun every 1350 years, making it a rare visitor that will not return for more than a millennium. This makes the current observational opportunity a truly special experience for both seasoned amateur astronomers and curious onlookers.

The Secret of the 'Green Comet'

In photographs, the comet spectacularly glows with a greenish hue. This phenomenon is the result of an ionization process, where ultraviolet radiation from the Sun reacts with carbon molecules in the comet’s atmosphere. The green color is thus a type of 'chemical signature' of the celestial body, making it especially striking in photos.

The Al-Khatm Observatory captured 84 frames of the comet, each with a 30-second exposure, totaling 42 minutes. A 4-inch refractor telescope, a color filter camera, and a light pollution filter were used to compile the clearest possible images of the sky.

Where to Observe?

Anyone wishing to see the C/2025 A6 comet with their own eyes should seek out locations far from city lights. The desert environment, such as the outskirts of Dubai or the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, offers excellent opportunities for night sky observation. It’s important to note that a telescope may be necessary for observation, although in the latter half of October – if predictions are accurate – the comet may be visible to the naked eye.

The best viewing times are early morning (between 4:00-5:00 AM), and later, from mid-October, during the evening hours after sunset.

Why Check It Out?

Interest in astronomical phenomena has been growing among the UAE’s population in recent years. The clarity of the desert sky, technological advances, and a demand for educational outreach have all contributed to more people discovering the wonders of the sky.

Observing the comet can provide not only a scientific experience but also an aesthetic one. Such a rare spectacle can inspire young people’s interest in astronomy, deepen admiration for nature, and serve as a reminder of our smallness in the universe’s endless system.

Safe Observations

A few safety tips should be kept in mind when doing night observations. When traveling into the desert environment, ensure you have an adequate supply of water, warmer clothing after sunset, and use a headlamp or flashlight – preferably red-light, which doesn’t impair night vision.

If you have the opportunity to take photos, you can try long-exposure astrophotography, even using an adapter for a mobile phone if it has suitable manual settings.

Summary

The visit of the C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) comet is truly an exceptional opportunity to gaze into the sky over the United Arab Emirates and connect with a distant, mysterious traveler of the universe. The period from October 17-27 is ideal for observation, especially if you choose a dark, serene location.

If you miss this chance, you may never see it again – as the comet will not return for over a thousand years. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, seek out the nearest dark-sky location, bring your telescope, and prepare for a truly special nighttime experience under the UAE stars.

(The article is based on observations by the Al-Khatm Astronomical Observatory.)