Today, January 8, 2026, marks a major milestone for Comet 24P/Schaumasse as it reaches perihelion—its closest approach to the Sun. After traveling through the cold reaches of the outer solar system, this periodic visitor is now at its peak activity, basking in solar heat that causes its icy core to vaporize and glow.
What is Perihelion?
Perihelion is the point in an object's orbit where it is nearest to the Sun. For 24P/Schaumasse, this distance is approximately 1.18 AU (Astronomical Units), or about 110 million miles. While this is further than the Earth's distance from the Sun, it is close enough to trigger significant "outgassing," creating the characteristic coma (a fuzzy envelope of gas) that makes comets so striking to observe
Will You Be Able to See It?
The short answer is: Yes, but you will need equipment. Despite being at its brightest today, Comet 24P/Schaumasse is not a "naked-eye" object like the famous Comets Neowise or Hale-Bopp. Here is what you need to know about its visibility:
Current Magnitude: The comet is currently shining at a magnitude of approximately 9.8 to 10.0. For context, the human eye can typically see up to magnitude 6.0 in perfect dark-sky conditions.
Best Equipment: You will likely need a 6-inch or 8-inch telescope to get a clear view of the comet’s coma. Experienced observers under very dark skies might spot it using high-magnification binoculars ($10 \times 50$ or larger).
The "Moon Problem": Currently, a bright waning gibbous Moon (roughly 60%–70% illuminated) is situated in the same region of the sky.
7 This lunar glare can "wash out" faint objects like comets, making it even more challenging to spot without a telescope.
Where and When to Look
For observers in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the comet is a pre-dawn target.
| Feature | Details |
| Constellation | Virgo (near the border of Boötes) |
| Key Landmark | Located near the star Vindemiatrix ($\epsilon$ Virginis) |
| Best Time | Between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM local time |
| Altitude | Reaches its highest point (approx. 65°) in the southern sky just before dawn |
To find it, look for the "Y" shape of Virgo. The comet is positioned roughly five degrees to the left of Vindemiatrix. If you are using a telescope, look for a small, fuzzy "star" that doesn't quite come to a sharp point; that is the comet's coma.
A Brief History of 24P/Schaumasse
This comet is a regular visitor to our neck of the woods. It was discovered by French astronomer Alexandre Schaumasse in December 1911 at the Nice Observatory.
Orbital Period: It takes approximately 8.18 years to complete one trip around the Sun.
Jupiter's Influence: Because its orbit takes it near Jupiter, the giant planet’s gravity occasionally tugs on the comet, slightly altering its path over decades.
Closest Earth Approach: The comet actually made its closest approach to Earth a few days ago, on January , passing within 0.59 AU (about 55 million miles) of our planet.
Tips for Successful Viewing
Use an App: Use a stargazing app (like SkySafari or Stellarium) to get a real-time "pointer" to the comet's exact coordinates ($RA: 13h 20m, Dec: +12° 56'$).
Avert Your Vision: When looking through a telescope, use "averted vision"—looking slightly to the side of the object. This uses the more light-sensitive parts of your eyes to detect the faint glow.
Find Dark Skies: Get as far away from city lights as possible to minimize light pollution.