What is happening today with Comet Wierzchos?
Comet C/2024 E1, known as Wierzchos, is making a close approach to the Sun (perihelion) today, January 20. At its closest point, the comet will pass a little over half the Earth–Sun distance from our star. This proximity heats the comet aggressively, often causing a dramatic brightening as ices vaporize and a tail forms. For observers around the world, the big question is simple: can you actually see it with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope?
Visibility: naked eye, binoculars, or telescope?
Visible comets near perihelion can be stunning, but the chance of naked-eye visibility depends on several factors, including the comet’s intrinsic brightness, its distance from Earth, and local sky conditions. Even if the comet becomes noticeably brighter, its proximity to the Sun means it will likely be visible only in the pre-draught skies around twilight or dawn, not in the middle of the night. In urban areas, light pollution can further reduce contrast with the twilight sky. For many observers, binoculars will increase the chances of spotting C/2024 E1 as it sweeps across a bright twilight backdrop.
Best times to look
Around perihelion, the comet’s altitude above the horizon is a key limitation. Plan to observe during civil twilight—after sunset or before sunrise—when the Sun is just below the horizon. If the comet’s path places it near the horizon, you may have only a short window to view it before dawn or after dusk. Check an up-to-date sky chart or astronomy app to find the exact time and direction for your location.
How to optimize your viewing
• Use a clear, unobstructed spot with the horizon free from trees and buildings.
• Start with binoculars to locate the comet’s faint glow, then switch to a small telescope if available for a more detailed look at the coma and possible tail.
• Look for the comet’s glow near the morning or evening horizon, depending on your location and the current trajectory.
• Bring a red flashlight to preserve your night vision and avoid bright screens or lights that wash out the sky.
Photographers and skywatchers should track the comet’s movement across successive nights. A short exposure time can reveal a faint tail, though the tail’s length varies with the solar wind and the comet’s activity. Be mindful of safety: never point any instrument toward the Sun, and never attempt solar viewing without proper solar filters and equipment designed for Sun observation.
What contributes to its brightness?
The brightness rise during perihelion is driven by solar heating of ices within the comet’s nucleus. As the ices sublimate, gas and dust are released, forming a coma around the nucleus and sometimes a tail extending away from the Sun. The exact brightness can be unpredictable—cometary activity is influenced by surface composition, rotation, and outgassing rates. For observers, this means one night may offer a clear glimpse, while the next might be less favorable.
Where to check local updates
For real-time visibility, consult reliable sources such as space agency updates, astronomy clubs, and reputable skywatching apps. Local weather conditions and moon phase also impact your chances of seeing the comet. If clouds roll in, you may have to wait for the next opportunity as C/2024 E1 continues its solar boil-off and travels along its orbit.
Bottom line for skywatchers
Today’s perihelion event is a reminder of the dynamic nature of comets. While witnessing it naked-eye hinges on timing and conditions, binoculars equip many observers to catch a glimpse during the twilight window. With patience and a little luck, C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) can offer a memorable sight against a darkening sky as it races toward its further adventures in the solar system.
