Comet Chasing - Comets Visible in November 2026, by Aperture

There are ten comets within reach of a telescope this month. C/2026 A2 (Bok) is visible in a 6-inch (15 cm) telescope. See the Observing Synopses for which comets are visible from your latitude, the best dates and the time of night.

Visibility predictions here use SkyTools code that accounts for magnitude, coma diameter, and degree of condensation from recent observations (rather than magnitude alone.) When we say a comet needs a 14-inch scope, it means the comet is detectable in the eyepiece at that aperture from a Bortle 5 (country/suburban) site (or a dark site if indicated).

General Comet Information

10P/Tempel is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 5.4 years. Perihelion was on August 2, 2026 at a distance of 1.4 AU.
161P/Hartley-IRAS is a Hallet-type periodic comet with an orbital period of 21.5 years. It will reach perihelion in late November when it is predicted to reach maximum brightness of magnitude 12.5 in early November.
220P/McNaught is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 5.5 years. It had a new outburst early last month. As of August 7, it had brightened to magnitude 7, the coma had grown to 7.5 arc minutes, and there was a 21 arc minute tail. It has been fading regularly ever since. As of September 1, it is 11th magnitude.
169P/NEAT is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 4.22 years. It passed perihelion on September 21. It passed within 0.17 AU of the Earth on August 11.
C/2026 A2 (Bok) will reach perihelion in late December. It is predicted to reach maximum brightness of magnitude 13.5 in early December.
C/2024 T5 (ATLAS) will pass perihelion in early May 2027. It is currently predicted to reach maximum brightness of magnitude 13.3 in mid April.
88P/Howell is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 5.5 years. It passed perihelion in March 2026 at a distance of 1.4 AU.
P/2026 R2 (Leonard) is a Halley-type periodic comet with an orbital period of 21.8 years. It was discovered on September 14 and was originally known as C46K1R1. It passed within its closest distance to the Earth on October 6 and passed perihelion on October 25 at a distance of 0.8 AU.
P/2026 T1 (ATLAS) is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 11.9 years. It passed perihelion on August 8 at a distance of 3.5 AU.
29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann has frequent outbursts, typically resulting in a brightening of 1-4.0 magnitudes. It varies in its distance from the Sun from 5.8 AU (at perihelion) to 6.3 AU (at aphelion), which is an unusually small variation for a comet, and remains quite far from the sun at all times. This means that it can be observed more or less continuously. See [Mission 29P](https://britastro.org/section_information_/comet-section-overview/mission-29p-2) from the BAA for up to date information.
C/2024 J3 (ATLAS) will pass perihelion in late November. It is predicted to reach maximum brightness of magnitude 14.5 in early November.
78P/Gehrels is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 7.2 years that passed perihelion in late June. It is predicted to obtain maximum brightness of magnitude 13 in mid November.
260P/McNaught is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 6.9 years that passed perihelion in early August.
C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) passed perihelion on April 19.
C/2024 R4 (PANSTARRS) will reach perihelion in late October 2027. It is predicted to reach maximum brightness of magnitude 14 in late February 2028.
C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) is an interesting Oort cloud comet that was reported as a result of the Dark Energy Survey. Soon after it was made public, images showed a cometary coma. Discovery credit goes to Pedro Bernardinelli and Gary Bernstein. This is a remarkable comet that was at 29 AU in 2014, with a perihelion of 10.9 AU in 2031. Its orbit extends out to 40,000 AU! It was unusually bright for its distance. HST observations that isolate the nucleus estimate the diameter to be between 120 and 140 km, making this possibly the largest comet nucleus yet measured. Because of its distant perihelion, this comet is not expected to become bright enough to be visually observed except in large instruments, and not until the end of the decade, but it is likely going to be the subject of intense scientific scrutiny.

Comets that have apparently disintegrated: C/2026 A1 (MAPS), SWAN26B, C/2025 F2, C/2024 G3, C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), C/2022 S3 (PANSTARRS), C/2021 P4 (ATLAS), C/2020 Q1 (Borisov), C/2020 P1 (NEOWISE), and C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS). Beware that various sources often fail to keep track of whether a comet still exists!

Comet Visibility in the Eyepiece

Magnitude alone is a poor guide to whether a comet can be seen. This page uses the SkyTools visibility model, which also considers coma diameter, degree of condensation, sky brightness, the moon, and the aperture in use. The dates below are the nights the comet should be perceptible — visible with reasonable confidence, but not necessarily easy. The last night listed is the least certain, since it is the night the comet crosses that threshold; expect it to move by a day either way with your sky and your optics. The times given are the optimum time to look. But always remember, comets are like cats. They both have tails and do what they want, and not always what we expect. This is one of the things that makes comet chasing interesting!

Observing Synopses for November

Times are local standard time. Add one hour where daylight saving or summer time is in effect. Times are approximate and vary with your latitude, so go out well before the time given. .

C/2026 A2 (Bok): An evening comet visible in a 6-inch (15 cm) telescope at a dark site

This comet begins the month in Cygnus at magnitude 12.6. Look for a 50" coma, diffuse condensation at center. It should brighten slowly. The best visibility is late in the month as seen from the northern hemisphere. FINDER CHART

Visibility of C/2026 A2 (Bok) by latitude, November 2026
Latitude	Visibility
55° N	Perceptible in a 6-inch (15 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 18th, then from the 26th through the end of the month.
40° N	Perceptible in a 6-inch (15 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 17th, then from the 25th through the end of the month.
Equator	Perceptible in a 6-inch (15 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 17th, then from the 25th through the end of the month, fairly high at first, climbing higher as the month goes on.
30° S	Perceptible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope from a dark site in evening twilight from the 27th through the end of the month, low in the north throughout.

161P/Hartley-IRAS: An evening comet visible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope at a dark site

This comet begins the month in Aquila at magnitude 12.2. Look for a 1.5' , diffuse coma with definite brightening toward center. It should fade by about 0.8 magnitudes, moving into Sagitta by month's end. The best visibility is early in the month. FINDER CHART

Visibility of 161P/Hartley-IRAS by latitude, November 2026
Latitude	Visibility
55° N	Perceptible in a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 14th. In a 12.5-inch (32 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 15th, then from the 27th through the end of the month.
40° N	Perceptible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 7th. In a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 13th.
Equator	Perceptible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 5th. In a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 12th.
30° S	Perceptible in a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening on the 1st, fairly high throughout. In a 12.5-inch (32 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 6th.

C/2024 T5 (ATLAS): An all night comet visible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope at a dark site

This comet begins the month in Lepus at magnitude 13.5. Look for a 45" coma, center much brighter than edges, though still diffuse. It should brighten slowly. The best visibility is late in the month. FINDER CHART

Visibility of C/2024 T5 (ATLAS) by latitude, November 2026
Latitude	Visibility
55° N	Perceptible in a 12.5-inch (32 cm) telescope from a dark site from the 14th/15th through the 19th/20th, then on the 30th/December 1st, fairly high in the south at first, moving from after midnight to near midnight as the month goes on. In a 14-inch (36 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 3rd/4th through the 20th/21st, then on the 30th/December 1st.
40° N	Perceptible in a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope from a dark site from the 12th/13th through the 19th/20th, then on the 30th/December 1st, fairly high at first, moving from after midnight to near midnight as the month goes on. In a 12.5-inch (32 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 2nd/3rd through the 21st/22nd, then on the 29th/30th and 30th/December 1st.
Equator	Perceptible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope from a dark site near midnight on the 29th/30th and 30th/December 1st. In a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st/2nd through the 22nd/23rd, then from the 28th/29th through the end of the month.
30° S	Perceptible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope from a dark site near midnight on the 29th/30th and 30th/December 1st. In a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st/2nd through the 22nd/23rd, then from the 26th/27th through the end of the month.

10P/Tempel: An evening comet visible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope at a dark site

This comet begins the month in Sculptor at magnitude 11.6. Look for a 3' coma, center much brighter than edges, though still diffuse. It should fade rapidly, moving into Cetus by month's end. The best visibility is early in the month as seen from the southern hemisphere. FINDER CHART

Visibility of 10P/Tempel by latitude, November 2026
Latitude	Visibility
55° N	Not perceptible.
40° N	Perceptible in a 12.5-inch (32 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening on the 1st and 2nd, fairly high in the south throughout. In a 14-inch (36 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 4th.
Equator	Perceptible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 3rd. In a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 7th.
30° S	Perceptible in an 8-inch (20 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 4th. In a 10-inch (25 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 8th.

29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann: A morning comet visible in a 14-inch (36 cm) telescope at a dark site

This comet begins the month in Virgo at magnitude 14.2. Look for a 25" coma. It should remain constant, moving into Corvus by month's end. The best visibility is late in the month. FINDER CHART

Visibility of 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann by latitude, November 2026
Latitude	Visibility
55° N	Perceptible in a 24-inch (61 cm) telescope from a dark site in morning twilight from the 18th through the 22nd, then on December 1st, low in the east at first, swinging toward the south as the month goes on.
40° N	Perceptible in a 16-inch (41 cm) telescope from a dark site in the pre-dawn sky from the 21st through the 23rd, fairly high in the east throughout. In an 18-inch (46 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 16th through the 23rd.
Equator	Perceptible in a 14-inch (36 cm) telescope from a dark site in the pre-dawn sky on the 23rd, fairly high in the east throughout. In a 16-inch (41 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 14th through the 23rd.
30° S	Perceptible in a 24-inch (61 cm) telescope from a dark site in morning twilight from the 16th through the 23rd, then from the 29th through the end of the month, low in the east at first, climbing higher as the month goes on.

C/2024 J3 (ATLAS): A northern hemisphere evening comet visible in a 16-inch (41 cm) telescope at a dark site

This comet begins the month in Lyra at magnitude 14.1. Look for a 55" coma, diffuse condensation at center. It should remain constant. The best visibility is early in the month as seen from far-northern latitudes. FINDER CHART

Visibility of C/2024 J3 (ATLAS) by latitude, November 2026
Latitude	Visibility
55° N	Perceptible in a 16-inch (41 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening on the 1st. In an 18-inch (46 cm) telescope it is perceptible from the 1st through the 14th, then from the 27th through the end of the month.
40° N	Perceptible in an 18-inch (46 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 13th, then from the 26th through the end of the month.
Equator	Perceptible in a 24-inch (61 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 1st through the 10th, fairly high throughout.
30° S	Not perceptible.

2P/Encke: An evening comet visible in a 24-inch telescope at a dark site

This comet begins the month in Pegasus at magnitude 16.3. Look for a 30" coma. It should brighten by about 1.4 magnitudes by month's end. The best visibility is late in the month. FINDER CHART

Visibility of 2P/Encke by latitude, November 2026
Latitude	Visibility
55° N	Perceptible in a 24-inch (61 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 28th through the end of the month.
40° N	Perceptible in a 24-inch (61 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 26th through the end of the month.
Equator	Perceptible in a 24-inch (61 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 25th through the end of the month.
30° S	Perceptible in a 24-inch (61 cm) telescope from a dark site in the evening from the 28th through the end of the month.

Summary Data for This Month's Telescopic Comets

Comets reaching magnitude 16 or brighter during November 2026. Constellation is where the comet stood on the first of the month. The last column gives the date of the most recent observation used to compute these values; a question mark marks values extrapolated from observations more than a month old.
Comet	Constellation	November 1st		November 15th		November 30th		Observations as of (UT)
Comet	Constellation	Mag	Diam	Mag	Diam	Mag	Diam	Observations as of (UT)
10P/Tempel	Sculptor	11.6	3.1′	12.5	2.6′	13.5	2.2′	2026 October 29
161P/Hartley-IRAS	Aquila	12.2	1.7′	12.6	1.3′	13.0	1.1′	2026 October 31
C/2026 A2 (Bok)	Cygnus	12.6	51″	12.3	52″	12.2	51″	2026 October 31
P/2026 R2 (Leonard)	Triangulum Australe	13.4	57″	14.5	41″	15.6	33″	2026 October 16
C/2024 T5 (ATLAS)	Lepus	13.5	43″	13.3	45″	13.2	47″	2026 October 31
220P/McNaught	Cetus	13.6	1.5′	13.9	1.4′	14.3	1.3′	2026 October 22
C/2024 J3 (ATLAS)	Lyra	14.1	53″	14.1	52″	14.1	51″	2026 October 31
29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann	Virgo	14.2?	27″?	14.1?	27″?	14.1?	28″?	2026 August 21
P/2026 T1 (ATLAS)	Aquila	14.8	34″	14.9	32″	15.0	31″	2026 October 31
78P/Gehrels	Cancer	15.0	37″	15.0	39″	15.1	41″	2026 October 22
169P/NEAT	Leo	15.1	1.1′	16.0	1.0′	16.8	60″	2026 October 22
260P/McNaught	Auriga	15.3	28″	15.5	28″	15.8	27″	2026 September 30
88P/Howell	Aries	15.4	53″	15.8	49″	16.4	45″	2026 October 30
C/2023 R1 (PANSTARRS)	Libra	15.7	31″	15.9	30″	16.0	30″	2026 September 22
107P/Wilson-Harrington	Sagittarius	16.2?	12″?	15.8?	13″?	15.6?	14″?	2026 August 15
2P/Encke	Pegasus	16.3	29″	15.6	30″	14.9	30″	2026 October 30

* In solar conjunction and generally not visible

For information about specific comets see Gary W. Kronk's Cometography

Maintained by Greg Crinklaw, since 2003.

Comet Chasing in November 2026