A long-tailed comet has recently been spotted near the sun, and it might become visible to the naked eye in mid-October. This event could coincide with another comet, making for a stunning night sky experience.
The newly discovered comet, known as C/2025 R2 (SWAN), was found on September 12 by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. This comet has a unique origin; it was initially spotted by amateur astronomer Vladimir Bezugly, who recognized it in SWAN’s images. Soon after, the International Astronomical Union classified it and gave it its official name.
Every 22,554 years, SWAN R2 completes an orbit around the sun. Its tail stretches as far as five full moons — a remarkable sight in the vastness of space. Although it is currently close to the sun and best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, things will change on October 21. The comet will come within 0.27 astronomical units of Earth, roughly a quarter of the distance from Earth to the sun.
At that point, SWAN R2 could reach a brightness of magnitude 4. This means it may be visible with the naked eye in dark skies, even from the Northern Hemisphere. There’s also a chance we might pass through the comet’s debris between October 4-6, potentially creating a meteor shower. If it doesn’t reach naked-eye visibility, binoculars or a good telescope should easily capture its beauty.
Interestingly, another comet, C/2025 A6 (Lemmon), will also approach Earth on October 21. Discovered in January, Lemmon will be about 0.60 AU away from us. It has potential to shine just as brightly, making it another intriguing sight, especially during the morning and evening hours.
The best viewing opportunities for both comets will be from October 20-23. This period coincides with a new moon, providing dark skies ideal for stargazing. Plus, it’s the peak of the Orionid meteor shower, which brings about 20 shooting stars per hour. If conditions are right, these celestial events could create an unforgettable experience.
Historically, the last bright comet visible to the naked eye was C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), which captivated many in the summer of 2020. Looking ahead, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) might also be visible through binoculars in October 2024, hinting that the universe has more wonders to show us.
In a time where many find joy in amateur stargazing, these comets could reignite interest in astronomy. Social media has been abuzz with anticipation, with hashtags like #CometWatch trending as enthusiasts await these celestial displays. As we gear up for these comets, let’s keep our eyes to the skies!
For more insights on upcoming celestial events, check out Space.com for the latest news and updates.
