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By ben again

Newly Discovered Comet Set to Light Up the Night Sky

February 6, 2025 – Astronomers have discovered a new comet that is expected to become visible to the naked eye in the coming months, offering skywatchers a rare celestial spectacle.

The comet, officially designated C/2025 A1 (Larkin), was first spotted by researchers at the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona. Scientists estimate that it will make its closest approach to Earth in May 2025, when it could develop a bright, glowing tail visible from both hemispheres.

“This comet has the potential to be one of the brightest we’ve seen in recent years,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a planetary scientist at NASA. “Its trajectory suggests a close pass by the Sun, which could cause it to brighten dramatically as its icy surface vaporizes.”

Comets are icy bodies that originate from the outer reaches of the solar system. As they approach the Sun, they release gas and dust, creating a distinctive glowing tail. Recent observations suggest Comet Larkin contains a high concentration of volatile compounds, increasing the likelihood of a dazzling display.

Astronomers advise stargazers to monitor the comet’s progress and look for it low on the horizon just before dawn in April and May. While its brightness is difficult to predict, some experts speculate that it could rival the famous Comet NEOWISE, which wowed observers in 2020.

For now, researchers continue to study Comet Larkin’s trajectory and composition. If conditions align, this icy visitor could become one of the most memorable astronomical events of the decade.