Late October Skies: Rare Celestial Sights for Alaskan Skywatchers

October’s turning out to be a pretty thrilling month for skywatchers everywhere. Here in Connecticut, astronomy fans have a lot to get excited about.

A rare visitor, Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6), will swing by for its closest approach to Earth this Tuesday. Discovered earlier this year at Mount Lemmon in Arizona, this long-period comet hasn’t shown up in our inner solar system for over 1,300 years.

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It’ll be joined by some other cool celestial events, so late October could be the perfect excuse to grab your binoculars and spend some time under the stars.

Comet Lemmon’s Historic Flyby

At first, astronomers thought Comet Lemmon was just another faint asteroid. They soon realized it was the real deal—a true comet.

This Tuesday, it’ll pass about 55 million miles from Earth. Folks in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Norwich could catch a glimpse if the weather plays along.

The comet reaches its closest point to the sun, or perihelion, on November 8. That’s when it gets a burst of energy, and its ice and dust start to vaporize more quickly, sometimes making its tail bigger and brighter.

Where and When to Look

If you want to spot Comet Lemmon in Connecticut, you’ll need some patience and a bit of luck. The best shot is about an hour after sunset, low on the northwest horizon.

Look between the bright star Arcturus and the handle of the Big Dipper. Binoculars are your friend here, especially since the comet’s fading after this week.

An Unexpected Solar Wind Event

Astronomers recently saw solar winds briefly strip away part of the comet’s tail. The tail snapped back to normal after about an hour.

It’s a wild reminder—comets can change fast as they tangle with solar radiation and charged particles flying through space.

Tips for Viewing in Connecticut

If you’re in Middletown, Danbury, or Waterbury, you can boost your chances by escaping city lights. Try heading out to rural Litchfield County or the shoreline near Old Saybrook for darker skies.

Check the forecast—clear nights are your best bet.
Binoculars or a small telescope help a lot.
October evenings get chilly, so dress warmly.
Give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to the dark.

Other Celestial Highlights This Month

Comet Lemmon isn’t the only thing lighting up October’s night sky. A few other astronomical events are worth keeping on your radar.

Orionid Meteor Shower

The Orionids peak this week. These fast meteors come from debris left by Halley’s Comet.

If you’re in Bridgeport or Groton, you might spot dozens of meteors per hour if you get lucky with the conditions.

October’s New Moon

Tuesday’s new moon means darker skies—just right for catching faint sights like Comet Lemmon. Even folks in suburban spots like Torrington could see better than usual.

Comet 3L/ATLAS

Another comet, 3L/ATLAS, will hit its perihelion on October 29. It probably won’t shine as bright as Lemmon, but hey, two comets in one month? That’s not something you see every October.

Why This Month Matters for Connecticut Stargazers

Moments like these connect us to the broader rhythms of the cosmos. Whether you’re standing on the waterfront in Norwalk or hiking in the hills near Colchester, just taking a few minutes to look up this October could reward you with sights you haven’t seen in a lifetime.

Comet Lemmon’s appearance reminds us that even events with millennia-long cycles can touch our lives here and now.

So, mark your calendar. Gather some friends and prepare for chilly, awe-inspiring evenings under Connecticut’s autumn skies.

With comets, meteor showers, and a moonless night all lining up, October’s shaping up to be a celestial show you probably won’t forget.

Here is the source article for this story: Look up! Late October brings rare celestial sight for Alaskan skywatchers

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