10P/Tempel is currently visible in the early dawn sky, offering its most favorable viewing opportunity since 1967.
The comet will reach perihelion on August 2 and its closest point to Earth (0.414 AU) on August 3.
It is not visible to the naked eye, appearing as a faint +8th to +9th magnitude greenish blob in small telescopes or binoculars.
Observers can track the comet as it moves through Capricornus and into Piscis Austrinus through late summer.
Observing and Photography
Successful imaging requires a tracking mount and a telescope or lens with at least 150mm focal length to prevent trailing.
Long exposure times are necessary (2-5 minutes) for non-stacked, unprocessed images, though smartscope users may achieve results with shorter frames.
The comet displays a unique, thin dust trail, an effect caused by ancient dust particles that is now more accessible to capture thanks to modern CMOS sensors.
Key Dates and Targets
July 27: The comet passes near the globular cluster Messier 30.
August 2: Perihelion (1.418 AU from the Sun).
August 3: Closest approach to Earth (0.414 AU).
August 10: Passes near the star Eta Piscis Austrini.
August 22: Passes near the star Tau Piscis Austrini.