Experts from the International Network of Optical Telescopes at the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences point out that on January 4, 2026, that is, just four days before its closest approach to the Sun, comet 24P/Schaumasse will approach Earth at a distance of 90 million kilometers.

Comet 24P/Schaumasse, discovered by the French astronomer Alexandre Schumas in 1911, belongs to the Jupiter family, as its orbit is strongly influenced by this planet.

According to astronomers, the brightness of the comet may reach the eighth magnitude, which means that it will be visible in the dark sky even using binoculars, as it has become significantly brighter and larger in size, and will continue to rapidly increase in brightness over the coming weeks on its way to a suitable perihelion in January.

Short-period comets are characterized by their peak brightness and suitable location for observation when they are furthest from the sun.

Source: science.mail.ru