Categories: Space

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos): How to See This Oort-Cloud Wonder in 2025–2026

A Celestial Visitor: A visualization of Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) showing its brilliant coma and characteristic dual tail as it makes its way toward the inner solar system.

A Visitor from the Edge- A New Oort-Cloud Wonder Above our Skies

Written by Dr. Sharanu, Assistant Professor- Thakur College of Engineering and Technology, Mumbai-India

Contents

What is a comet, and why are they special?
Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) – discovery, orbit & features
Is Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) a threat to Earth?
Best time & place to observe from Mumbai / India
How to observe safely & tips

What is a comet, and why are they special?

Comets are icy bodies composed of dust, frozen gases and rock, originating from the far reaches of the solar system (e.g. the Oort Cloud). As they approach the Sun, the heat causes sublimation of ices, generating a glowing coma and sometimes spectacular tails. Each comet is somewhat unique depending on composition, orbit, and activity.

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos)

Discovery: Discovered on 3 March 2024 by Polish astronomer Kacper Wierzchoś during the Mount Lemmon Survey.
Precovery: Images from 15–29 February 2024 were later found showing the comet before its official discovery.

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) reaches peak brightness – In-The-Sky.org

Origin & orbit:
- From the Oort Cloud.
- Perihelion (closest to Sun) on 20 January 2026, at about 0.566 AU from Sun.
- Highly eccentric orbit (≈1.0005), inclination ≈75.2°.
- Orbital period: several hundred thousand years outbound, millions inbound (first-time-in-a-long-while visitor)
Activity & Composition:
- Observed with JWST at ~7 AU, showing spectral evidence for CO₂-driven activity; water and CO emission were weak or not detected.
- Current observed brightness (autumn 2025) ~ magnitude 13-14; increasing gradually as it moves closer.

Is Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) a threat to Earth?

No. Its orbit does not pose a collision threat. It passes at about 1 AU (or more) from Earth, so it’s purely an observational object.

Best Time & Place to Observe from Mumbai / India

Here are specifics tailored for observers in Mumbai, India (latitude ~19°N). These are based on predictions and ephemerides; always check a sky-app for current data.

Period	Position & Visibility	Best Observation Time
Late 2025 (Now through Dec-Jan)	The comet is in the constellation Corona Borealis, climbing higher in the sky as night falls. Currently, brightness around magnitude 13-14.	After astronomical twilight, when the sky is fully dark (~1½ hours after sunset). Aim when Corona Borealis is well above ~30° altitude.
Perihelion (~20 Jan 2026)	Comet will be at ~0.566 AU from the Sun; the brightest period is expected around 26 January 2026, when the Sun’s distance is ~0.58 AU and the Earth’s distance is ~1.24 AU. Expected peak brightness ~mag 8-9 in ideal conditions.	From India, best if you can observe before dawn, or certain times after sunset when the comet is far enough from Sun’s glare. May need binoculars or small telescope.
After perihelion (Feb 2026)	Comet moves away but maintains some brightness. Visibility declines. Southern Hemisphere gets better view briefly. From India, likely still visible with telescopes but tougher.	Early morning hours when comet is above horizon and sun still low.

Additional Notes for Mumbai:

The comet’s current magnitude (~13-14) implies that naked eye is not possible yet. A telescope of moderate size (≥ 6-8-inch / ~150-200 mm aperture) or good binoculars + very dark skies will help.
Light pollution in the city will make things harder; try to view from outskirts or dark hill locations.
Pay attention to moon phase — avoid nights near full moon when sky brightness washes out faint comets.

How to Observe Safely & Tips

Use sky charts or astronomy apps (e.g. Stellarium, SkySafari) to locate Corona Borealis and find the comet’s current coordinates.
Ensure your observing time avoids twilight and bright moon interference.
Use suitable equipment: binoculars first, then small telescope to resolve coma / tail structure.
Photographing: use longer exposures, maybe stacking multiple images, to bring out faint tail/coma.
Safety with Sun: near perihelion the comet may be close in angular separation with the Sun — avoid looking too close to Sun or pointing optics nearby.

Star map showing the position of comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) in the constellation of Corona Borealis on September 18, 2025. Field of view: 50×30 degrees. View interactive star map.

Chart of the distance of comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) from Earth in Astronomical Units (au).

Did you know?

Spectra from JWST show that CO₂ is one of the main drivers of activity in this comet at large distances, rather than CO or water in earlier stages. That gives clues about what’s beneath the surface and how outer solar system bodies evolve. (arXiv)
The comet’s orbital period inbound is extremely long (millions of years) — meaning that this may be its first time coming into the inner solar system for eons.
Though initial estimates hoped it would reach naked-eye visibility, recent predictions are more conservative (mag ~8-9 at best), due to actual activity levels.

Summary

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) offers a great opportunity for sky watchers in India over the coming months. While not yet bright enough for the unaided eye, it is within reach of telescopes and good binoculars. The best viewing window is around perihelion in January 2026, but with care and patience, you can start spotting it sooner. Clear skies to you — may your comet-chase be successful!

Readers can observe the live track of this comet by clicking on this link: C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) Tracker – TheSkyLive.

References