Two bright green comets are dazzling the night skies, capturing the attention of skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere. Named Comet Lemmon and Comet SWAN, these celestial travelers come from a distant area known as the Oort Cloud, far beyond Pluto.
Comet Lemmon is set to make its closest approach to Earth soon, while Comet SWAN will be swinging by shortly. However, as SWAN moves away from the sun, it may fade from view in the coming days. Spotting both comets at the same time is unusual but not unheard of, according to Carson Fuls, director of a sky survey based at the University of Arizona.
To catch a glimpse, step outside just after sunset. Look to the northern sky for Comet Lemmon near the horizon and to the southwest for Comet SWAN. They could be visible even with binoculars until the end of the month, although astronomers like Valerie Rapson remind us that their brightness can vary.
Comets are fascinating remnants from the early solar system. As they get closer to the sun, they heat up and release gas, creating their distinctive tails. Comet Lemmon was discovered this January by a telescope searching for near-Earth asteroids, while Comet SWAN was identified last September by an amateur astronomer using data from a NASA-operated spacecraft.
Interestingly, both comets appear green because of the gases emitted from their surfaces, though they will likely look like fuzzy gray patches from our vantage point on Earth.
Historically, comets have captured human imagination for centuries. For instance, the bright comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas made waves in 2024, while Neowise in 2020 was another recent highlight. In the 1990s, comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake thrilled audiences worldwide.
User reactions on social media have reflected excitement about these appearances, with many sharing tips for spotting them. Get outside and join the wonder of the cosmos!
For more in-depth information about these comets, check out the latest reports from trusted sources like NASA and AP News.
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Planets, Meteors and meteorites, U.S. news, General news, World news, Science, Article, 126578531
