Comet 10P/Tempel
Taken by José J. Chambó on June 22, 2026 @
Valencia, Spain
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Comet 10P/Tempel, around magnitude 10 when imaged on June 22, 2026, was showing clear signs of evolution compared with the previous week. It had brightened by a full magnitude, bringing it within reach of small telescopes, while its distinctive green coma continued to expand.
Over the course of just one week, the comet underwent a noticeable increase in brightness, reflecting a steady rise in activity. The image reveals a vivid green coma, its color produced by diatomic carbon emissions, retaining its characteristic fan-shaped appearance with a diffuse yet well-defined structure. A faint dust tail extends westward for more than 12 arcminutes, tracing the continuous release of material from the nucleus into space.
The comet lies in the constellation Aquarius, against a rich stellar background that adds depth to the scene. Near the top of the image is an interesting pair of gravitationally bound galaxies: the lenticular galaxy IC 1331 (magnitude 15) and its much fainter spiral companion PGC 65391 (magnitude 16), two distant island universes quietly sharing the field with this icy visitor from the Solar System.
In the end, a comet image rarely captures just the comet—it always reveals something else that was quietly waiting in the background.
10P/Tempel @ 2026-Jun-22, 02:29 UT
Total Mag= 10.1 [aperture 395"], Dia.= 6.6, Tail= 12.2' PA= 255° (Tycho Tracker)
TS-Photon 8" f/4, Atik 383L+. L=50x60s RGB=1x120s, FOV=59x44'(crop), N:Up E:Left. OAV, Valencia (Spain)
Photographer's website:
https://cometografia.es
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