How to add a comet in Stellarium (desktop)

Comets are automatically added to the mobile version of Stellarium, however, in the desktop version, you need to enter them manually. Luckily, it’s easy and can be done in only a couple steps.

1. Open Stellarium

2. Open the configuration window

3. Go to the Plugins tab across the top and select Solar System Editor from the list.

4. Hit the configure button. Then select the Solar System tab, and Import orbital elements in MPC format…

5. From the Lists menu, select comets. In the source dropdown, select Gideon van Buitenen: comets. Then click Get orbital elements

6. In the input field, start typing the name of the comet you want to add (For example C/2025 K1 (ATLAS)) and check the box when it appears. Hit Add objects and you’re done!

You can now search your comet using the search window and Stellarium will take you right to it.