We’ve waited over 5 years—and it’s finally returning! The periodic comet 10P/Tempel 2 has already been captured by astrophotographers. By early August 2026, it will reach its maximum brightness. Here is what to expect and how to catch this celestial wanderer with binoculars or a telescope if you are observing from the Southern Urals.
Key Facts About the Comet
- Next Perihelion: August 2, 2026 (1.4 AU from the Sun)
- Closest Approach to Earth: August 3, 2026 (0.4 AU)
- Expected Brightness: 8 to 10 magnitude (Not visible to the naked eye)
- Orbital Period: 5.36 years
- Tools Needed: Powerful binoculars (10x50 or larger), an amateur or smart telescope, a camera on a tripod.
Visibility in the Southern Urals
The main challenge in observing Comet Tempel 2 from our latitudes is its orbital geometry. During its peak brightness (in August), it will be positioned extremely low above the southern horizon. City light pollution, summer haze, or trees can easily hide it from view.
That is why July is the best month for observers in the Urals. Yes, the comet will be slightly dimmer than in August, but it will rise much higher in the night sky. For the best experience, head out of the city, away from light pollution, and find a dark spot with an unobstructed view to the south.
Observer's Calendar: Best Dates
July 10–16: The perfect window! With the New Moon on July 14, the sky will be at its darkest. The comet will be moving through the constellations of Aquarius and Capricornus. This is an excellent time for early telescopic observations.
July 26–29: A spectacular encounter. The comet will pass just 0.5° from the globular cluster M30. This is a magnificent framing opportunity for astrophotographers! However, keep in mind that the nearly full Moon will significantly brighten the sky during these days.
August 2–3: Perihelion and closest approach to Earth. The comet will reach its peak brightness (around mag 8-9) as it moves into the constellation of Piscis Austrinus. You will need to look very low over the southern horizon just before dawn.
Mid-August to September: The comet gradually fades and sinks even lower. For northern latitudes and the Urals, it becomes practically inaccessible for amateur observation.
What Will You See in the Eyepiece?
Do not expect a spectacular comet with a tail stretching across half the sky, like Hale-Bopp or NEOWISE. Through binoculars or a small telescope, Comet 10P/Tempel 2 will look like a dim, slightly blurred fuzzy patch of light.
If you use an astrophotography camera or modern smart telescopes (which stack light through short exposures), you will be able to resolve a dense coma, a greenish gas glow, and possibly a short dust trail.
A Brief History of the Comet
The comet was discovered on July 4, 1873, by the German astronomer Ernst Wilhelm Tempel. The letter "P" in the designation 10P/Tempel 2 means that it is a periodic comet. It was the 10th comet in history to have its orbital period accurately established and confirmed. The comet's nucleus is quite large—about 10 to 12 kilometers in diameter, comparable to the size of the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs.
An encounter with 10P/Tempel 2 is a great warm-up before the return of other, brighter comets (such as 2P/Encke in 2027). Prepare your optics, choose cloudless nights in mid-July, and enjoy hunting for this ancient cosmic wanderer!
