Science TechnologyMonday, 27 July 2026·The Hindu - Science
Comet 10P/Tempel 2 visible in Bengaluru: 5.5-year periodic comet, peak around August 2-3
Comet 10P/Tempel 2, discovered in 1873 and returning every 5.5 years, is visible in Bengaluru in late July and early August 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, comet 10P/Tempel 2, discovered in 1873, became visible from Bengaluru again after its 5.5-year orbit around the Sun, with peak visibility expected around August 2 and 3.
Key specifics
- 10P/Tempel 2 completes one orbit around the Sun every 5.5 years.
- Its last sighting from Earth was in 2021, about 5 years before this return.
- Deepak Choudhary photographed the comet in the early hours of July 26 using a Seestar S50 smart telescope.
- The comet is expected to brighten to magnitude 8–9, making it visible through binoculars under dark skies.
- It is unlikely to be visible to the naked eye and is best observed away from city lights on a moonless night.
Exam lens
Science and technology MCQ angle: periodic comet, 1873 discovery, 5.5-year orbit, magnitude 8–9, August 2–3 peak visibility — a simple astronomy fact set for TNPSC current affairs.