Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On January 1, 2026, at around 12:46 UT, weak activity from the trail of comet 255P/Levy, which it ejected in 1897, cannot be ruled out. According to calculations, this trail will pass at a distance of 0.00296 AU from Earth, the particle ejection velocity is high – 42.7 m/s, and the density is quite low – 21.9% of the density of the Leonid trail of one revolution (this means that the particles were ejected by the comet during its next perihelion and managed to make one revolution in orbit on their own, already as meteoric particles).
These parameters indicate a low probability of any noticeable visual activity, but this case is still recommended for observational verification. Estimated radiant: RA=329.9°, DEC=59.6°.
If this burst occurs at the indicated time, it will be visible primarily in the Asian part of Eurasia, as well as across much of northern North America and Greenland. Unfortunately, the nearly full Moon, at 88% phase, could significantly interfere with observations.
If the comet 255P/Levy exhibits meteor activity, meteors can be observed visually or using photo and video equipment with wide-angle lenses.
No meteor activity from this comet had previously been observed, so this event is of scientific interest: astrophysicists have a unique opportunity to record the activity of a new stream.
Comet 255P/Levy is a short-period comet (with an orbital period of approximately 5 years) of the Jupiter family. It was discovered on October 2, 2006, by Canadian amateur astronomer David Levy. The comet's next perihelion is expected in 2027.
Material prepared by: Mikhail Maslov, engineer at the Vega Observatory of Novosibirsk State University
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