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Comet Wierzchoś Traverses Planetary Nebula NGC 6058 on Friday, August 22

As it approaches NGC 6058, the relatively dim Comet Wierzchoś becomes visible through more powerful telescopes tonight.

, and Administrator

2025 September 8 . 5:15 PM

2 min read

On the Horizon of August 22nd's Sky, Comet Wierzchoś Transits Nearby Nebula NGC 6058

Comet Wierzchoś Traverses Planetary Nebula NGC 6058 on Friday, August 22

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchoś) and NGC 6058: A Celestial Duo to Observe

Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchoś) is currently gracing the evening skies, offering a captivating sight for astronomy enthusiasts. The comet is located approximately 9.5° west of magnitude 3.5 Eta Herculis in the constellation Hercules and can reach an altitude of 60° by 9:30 PM local daylight time.

As the comet draws closer to the Sun, it is gradually brightening and is expected to reach perihelion early next year. This comet can be visible for several hours after sunset, making it an ideal object for observation during the twilight hours.

For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to observe the comet and nearby celestial object NGC 6058 when the Moon is not present in the evening sky. NGC 6058 appears as an evenly illuminated glow in smaller scopes and a halo-like structure in larger scopes (14 inches or more).

NGC 6058 is a planetary nebula with a magnitude of 13, which is slightly dimmer than the comet's current brightness. The central star of NGC 6058 is 14th magnitude, making it slightly brighter than the comet. The path from Eta Herculis to the comet passes through NGC 6058, providing a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to observe these celestial wonders together.

A closer signpost for the comet is magnitude 4.6 Chi Herculis, which is less than 2° north of the comet. This star can serve as a helpful reference point for locating the comet in the night sky.

It is worth noting that the comet's magnitude is approximately 14, requiring larger telescopes (8-10 inches or more) for observation. With the right equipment and clear skies, Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchoś) and NGC 6058 present an unmissable opportunity for stargazers to witness a captivating celestial duo.

The Sun rises at 6:18 A.M. and sets at 7:46 P.M. local daylight time, providing ample time for observation. The Moon rises at 5:28 A.M. and sets at 7:43 P.M., with a new moon phase, further enhancing the visibility of the comet and NGC 6058.

As we eagerly await the comet's brightening as it approaches perihelion, we encourage all astronomy enthusiasts to take advantage of this rare opportunity to observe Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchoś) and NGC 6058 in the night sky. Happy stargazing!