Comet 24P/Schaumasse in January 2026

A Midwinter Visitor for Both Hemispheres Appearing Overhead Now

On November 8, 2013, NASA shared this image of Comet ISON Passing Through Virgo. Now we have another lovely comet similarly located. January 2026 offers comet watchers a rewarding and unusually well-timed opportunity with Comet 24P/Schaumasse. While not a naked-eye object, this periodic comet becomes a standout telescopic target in the weeks surrounding January 8, 2026, when it reaches perihelion and peaks near 8th magnitude, briefly dipping to about magnitude 7.94. That makes it the brightest comet available to Northern Hemisphere observers at the time, and a viable target from the Southern Hemisphere as well.

What makes 24P/Schaumasse especially compelling isn’t extreme brightness or dramatic tails? Geometry. At perihelion the comet remains far from the Sun’s position in the sky, lingering in Virgo and staying well placed near the middle of the night. This unusual configuration gives observers extended dark-sky windows, relaxed pacing, and excellent conditions for careful visual study and astrophotography.

This guide explores the comet’s background, explains why its January 2026 apparition is special, and provides detailed observing and photography tips for the nights around perihelion and the weeks that follow.

1. A Brief Introduction to Comet 24P/Schaumasse

Comet 24P/Schaumasse is a short-period comet with an orbital period of roughly 8.25 years. It was discovered in 1911 by French astronomer Alexandre Schaumasse, and has been observed through many returns since.

Unlike long-period or dynamically new comets, 24P is a seasoned traveler of the inner solar system. Over time, repeated passages near the Sun have reduced its volatile content, making it more subtle and predictable—but also stable. These are the kinds of comets amateur astronomers often appreciate most: they don’t flare unexpectedly, but they reward patience, careful technique, and dark skies.

In January 2026, 24P once again makes a favorable pass, not because it becomes intrinsically spectacular, but because Earth’s viewing angle is unusually advantageous.

2. January 8, 2026: Perihelion and Peak Brightness

The comet reaches perihelion now, on or around January 8, 2026, at a distance of 1.184 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. That’s actually farther than Earth’s average distance, which may sound counterintuitive for a brightness peak.

Yet comets don’t brighten based on solar distance alone. Apparent brightness depends on a combination of:

• Distance from the Sun

• Distance from Earth

• Phase angle (how sunlight reflects toward us)

• Geometry relative to Earth’s night sky

In this case, while 24P is not especially close to the Sun, it is well positioned relative to Earth, spending the night far from solar glare and remaining observable for many hours.

Around January 8, predictions place its brightness at approximately magnitude 7.94, making it accessible to:

• 7×50 or 10×50 binoculars under dark skies

• Small telescopes (80–100 mm) from suburban sites

• Larger instruments for coma detail and subtle tail structure

For Northern Hemisphere observers, it is expected to be the brightest comet in the sky at that time, even though it will not be visible without optical aid.

3. Why This Apparition Is Unusual

Far from the Sun, Yet at Its Best

Most comets peak near perihelion when they are also visually close to the Sun, often limiting observing opportunities to dawn or dusk. Comet 24P/Schaumasse breaks this pattern.

In early January 2026, the comet remains deep in the night sky, still located in or near Virgo, far removed from the Sun’s position. This geometry provides:

• Dark observing windows around local midnight

• Minimal twilight interference

• Reduced atmospheric extinction

• More stable seeing conditions

In practical terms, this means observers can take their time to find this comet. There will be no racing sunset or sunrise, no low-altitude haze, and no awkward telescope angles.

4. Where to Look: Virgo and the Winter–Spring Transition

Virgo is a sprawling constellation straddling the boundary between winter and spring skies. In January:

• It rises in the late evening

• Reaches a favorable altitude around midnight to early morning

• Continues climbing higher as weeks pass

The comet’s slow motion through Virgo also helps observers return night after night, tracking its gradual shift against familiar background stars.

Star-Hopping Basics

To locate the comet visually:

1. Identify Spica, Virgo’s brightest star.

2. Use a detailed star chart or astronomy app with comet elements loaded.

3. Star-hop using medium-power eyepieces or binoculars.

At magnitude ~8, the comet will appear as a small, diffuse glow, slightly brighter toward the center, without sharp stellar edges.

5. Visibility from Both Hemispheres

One of the most appealing aspects of this apparition is global accessibility.

Northern Hemisphere

• Best visibility from mid-northern latitudes

• High enough altitude for clean telescopic views

• Long observing sessions around midnight

Southern Hemisphere

• Still visible, especially from mid-southern latitudes

• Slightly lower altitude but well clear of horizon haze

• Excellent opportunity for astrophotographers with dark skies

Because the comet avoids solar proximity, observers worldwide share a similar viewing window, which is a rarity for comet apparitions.

6. What to Expect at the Eyepiece

Comet 24P/Schaumasse is not a showy tail-streamer, but it offers subtle beauty.

Visual Appearance

• Diffuse coma, several arcminutes across

• Gradual central brightening

• Possible faint tail extension with larger apertures

• Soft, ghostly glow rather than sharp structure

Observers using 150–250 mm telescopes under dark skies may detect:

• Asymmetry in the coma

• Slight elongation pointing away from the Sun

• Changes in brightness from night to night

This makes 24P an excellent target for sketching, a practice that reveals details often missed in casual viewing.

7. How the Comet Evolves After January 8

Although January 8 marks perihelion and peak predicted brightness, the comet remains rewarding for several weeks afterward.

Mid-January

• Brightness declines slowly

• Still near magnitude 8–8.3

• Geometry remains favorable

Late January into February

• Gradual fading

• Increasing distance from Earth

• Still trackable in moderate telescopes

Because the fade is gentle, observers can follow the comet over time, watching subtle structural changes and refining observing techniques.

8. Binocular Observing Tips

Binoculars are often overlooked for comets of this brightness, but under the right conditions they excel.

Recommended Binoculars

• 7×50 for maximum surface brightness

• 10×50 for better contrast and framing

• 15×70 for darker skies and structural hints

Technique

• Observe from the darkest site available

• Use a reclining chair or tripod mount

• Sweep slowly; let the coma “pop” into view

Under pristine skies, the comet may appear as a soft, oval smudge, distinct from stars by its lack of sharp edges.

9. Telescope Observing Strategies

Aperture Considerations

• 80–100 mm: clear detection, diffuse coma

• 150–200 mm: coma structure, possible tail hint

• 250 mm+: detailed inner coma, brightness gradient

Magnification

• Start low (30–50×) to locate

• Increase to 80–120× for detail

• Avoid excessive magnification that dims surface brightness

Filters generally do not help significantly for comets of this type, though some observers experiment with broadband light-pollution filters in suburban skies.

10. Astrophotography Opportunities