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Spanish telescope discovers new comet after more than 40 years
Calar Alto’s veteran Schmidt telescope spots rare celestial object during test observations
A Spanish observatory has detected its first new comet in over four decades, in what astronomers are calling a “remarkable and unexpected” find.The discovery was made by Rainer Kresken, an engineer with the European Space Agency (ESA), who identified the new comet, officially named P/2025 W3 (Kresken), while running technical tests with a newly installed camera at the Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory in Almería. Working remotely from the German city of Darmstadt, Kresken spotted a faint, elongated object while testing the observatory’s historic 80-centimetre Schmidt telescope.
“The discovery was made on the same night as the tests with a new CMOS camera,” Kresken said. “This camera, along with the excellent telescope, allows astronomers to detect and observe very faint objects like this comet.”
The telescope was aimed at a section of the sky in the constellation Gemini, near the twin stars Castor and Pollux, when the unusual object first appeared in images taken on Friday November 28 2025. Follow-up observations over the following nights showed that the object had shifted slightly across the sky, but its long, thin tail remained visible - a clear sign that it was comet-like in nature.
This marks only the second comet to be discovered with the same telescope since Comet Thiele (C/1985 T1) was spotted in 1985, and the third connected to the instrument overall, after Comet Kohoutek in the 1970s when the telescope was based in Hamburg.
Scientists believe P/2025 W3 (Kresken) could be an active main-belt asteroid: a hybrid object that behaves like a comet but orbits among the rocky asteroids between Mars and Jupiter. It travels around the Sun once every four years, coming as close as 300 million kilometres to our star.
According to Kresken, “it will take some time to determine the mechanism responsible for its activation.” Researchers note that such objects are of huge scientific interest because they may hold clues about the origins of water and organic compounds on Earth.
The telescope’s operators say the find highlights the value of modernising older equipment. After more than 50 years of service, the Schmidt telescope’s recent camera upgrade has ensured it continues to contribute to European research into near-Earth objects and space safety.
This latest discovery not only adds a new comet to astronomical records but also reaffirms Spain’s key role in European space observation and planetary monitoring.
You might also be interested in: Spain prepares for once-in-a-lifetime trio of eclipses
Image: wikicommons
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The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages
Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.
Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.
At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.
The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.
By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.
To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with 
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.
The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.
What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.
This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.
But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.
This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.
Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.
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