Based on coverage from Castanet, The Free Press, and Vancouver is Awesome.
A Salmon Arm man's cat has inadvertently become an astronomy hero, helping capture a rare celestial event. Wes Penner, who lives near Canoe Beach with a view of Bastion Mountain, discovered that his security camera, usually pointed at his driveway, had been adjusted to face the sky. This serendipitous shift allowed Penner to capture footage of Comet Lemmon streaking across the sky early Monday morning. "I think our cat bumped the security camera," Penner told Black Press Media, adding that they reviewed the footage after hearing about a meteor sighting.
Watch the security camera video here
Comet Lemmon Captivates British Columbia
Comet Lemmon, officially known as C/2025 A6, has been the talk of the town among astronomy enthusiasts in British Columbia. Discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona earlier this year, the comet has been visible to the naked eye in the B.C. Interior, with sightings reported from Revelstoke to Clearwater. Local astrophotographer Sean Perdue has been capturing stunning images of the comet from his West Kelowna backyard. Perdue notes that the comet's brightening and dramatic tail have sparked excitement in the astronomy community.
Unlike meteors, which flash quickly through the atmosphere, comets appear relatively stationary from Earth. Comet Lemmon's close approach to Earth on October 21 marked its brightest point, but it has continued to shine brightly, offering skywatchers a chance to catch a glimpse over the next few nights. For those hoping to see it, clear skies and a location away from city lights are key.
Support The Canada Report and help keep it ad-free and independent — click here before you shop online . We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Your support means a lot — thank you.
Viewing Tips for Metro Vancouver Residents
In Metro Vancouver, the comet has been visible in the early morning hours, but locals can also catch it after sunset. According to Andrew Ferreira from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Vancouver Centre, the comet is best viewed from elevated areas like Queen Elizabeth Park. While Spanish Banks is a popular spot for stargazing, the University of British Columbia's buildings may obstruct the view of the comet low on the horizon.
Comet Lemmon is located between the constellations Boötes and Ursa Major, with a magnitude of 5. Although technically visible to the naked eye, Vancouver's light pollution can make it challenging to spot without binoculars or a small telescope. For a clearer view, Ferreira suggests heading to darker areas in the Lower Mainland.
As Comet Lemmon continues its journey across the sky, it offers a rare opportunity for Canadians to connect with the cosmos. Whether you're an avid astronomer or just a curious observer, this celestial event is a reminder of the wonders that lie beyond our everyday lives. So, grab your binoculars, find a dark spot, and enjoy the show.
Related: Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Discusses Artemis 2 Mission Risks with Longueuil Students
