Spanish telescope detects a new comet after more than 40 years

You can also find out more about the A-Team here. Spanish astronomical observator has detected a New cometThe discovery marks the first of its kind made by a telescope of this type in over four decades. The object was officially named P/2025 W3 (Kresken) following verification. The discovery was made following verification. Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory in Almería.

According to Europa PressThe comet, which was first detected in 2025 on November 28th, was found during the technical tests of a newly-installed high-sensitivity camera at the 80 centimetre Schmidt telescope located in Calar Alto.

Rainer Krasken, a European Space Agency engineer, identified the object as he carried out routine calibrations for ESA’s Space Safety Programme. “The discovery occurred during the same night that tests were being conducted with a highly sensitive new CMOS Camera. Together with an excellent telescope, this camera allows astronomers the ability to observe and detect very faint objects, such as that comet.

Kresken noticed a faint object with a thin and elongated trail after examining some of the images he took. The object was still elongated on the next night’s images, even though it had moved. It was a comet.

Astronomers say that these discoveries are becoming increasingly rare, especially outside of large automated sky-survey programs. This discovery is all the more remarkable because it was made during testing and not a specific search campaign.

First Spanish comet in more than 40 years

Calar Alto According to the company, this is the only second comet that has been detected with its Schmidt telescope. A previous discovery from 1985 was also made. The observatory also noted that this was the first comet to be discovered by a Spanish observatory for over 40 years, underlining the rarity of such an event in Spain’s recent astronomical history.

Astronomers said that they need to conduct more observations in order to understand the object’s behaviour, including its long-term trajectory. Their classification is also still being reviewed.

All the latest news in Spain.

See all the latest breaking news.

See all articles written Letara Draghia.