Get ready for a celestial spectacle! Today, January 5th, we have a unique sky event that's not to be missed. Comet Schaumasse is making a grand appearance, passing by a pair of globular clusters, M53 and NGC 5053.
But here's where it gets tricky: viewing these celestial bodies together might be a challenge due to our bright lunar companion, the Moon. However, it's definitely worth giving it a go!
Comet Schaumasse, with its observed magnitude of around 10, is currently traveling through the galaxy-rich Virgo constellation. Later this month, it will move south of Arcturus. This comet is a sight to behold, but it's best observed with larger telescopes or astrophotography equipment due to the bright Moon's interference.
On January 4th, 2026, Comet 24P/Schaumasse was positioned in northern Virgo, rising before midnight and offering the best views in the pre-dawn hours. It was located approximately 4° south of the star Diadem (Alpha Comae Berenices), close to the globular clusters M53 and NGC 5053, which are just over 1° east of Diadem.
The date of January 4th presented the most favorable opportunity for observation, as the Moon's path was taking it closer to this celestial region, reducing visibility further in the following days. So, if you missed it then, now is your chance!
By 4 a.m. local time, this region of the sky will be approximately 50° high in the southeast. Comet Schaumasse, recently observed at a magnitude of around 10, lies between the stars Diadem and Vindemiatrix. To pinpoint its location, look 4° south of Diadem.
M53 and NGC 5053 are situated just over 1° east of Diadem, so you can use this star as a guide. Both clusters have a similar angular size of about 10', but M53 is brighter at magnitude 7.6, while NGC 5053 is slightly fainter at magnitude 9.8. Interestingly, NGC 5053's magnitude is closer to that of the comet.
The comet will remain near these clusters for a few more days, but the Moon, although waning, is also getting closer to this region each day. Your best bet to catch this celestial grouping is right now, while the Moon is still relatively far away in the sky.
So, will you brave the moonlight to witness this cosmic dance? It's a challenge, but one that could yield a rewarding view. And this is the part most people miss: the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of spotting these elusive celestial bodies.
Sunrise: 7:22 A.M.
Sunset: 4:49 P.M.
Moonrise: 7:39 P.M.
Moonset: 9:16 A.M.
Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (90%)
Times are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon's illumination is referenced at 10 P.M. local time from the same location.
For more sky events this week, check out our full 'Sky This Week' column. And remember, the universe is full of wonders, so keep looking up!
What's your take on this celestial challenge? Do you think it's worth the effort to try and spot these objects, or do you prefer easier sky events? Let us know in the comments!
