Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) recently captured stunning images of two comets—Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and SWAN (C/2025 R2)—along with a breathtaking aurora display below them. These photos were released on NASA’s social media after a long government shutdown that limited NASA’s activities.
Comets, made of ice and dust, leave glowing tails when they come near the sun. Meanwhile, auroras appear when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere. The images show both comets shining brightly against the backdrop of our planet’s beautiful light shows.
The identity of the astronaut who took the photos isn’t clear, but they resemble images shared by Kimiya Yui, an astronaut from Japan. Unlike the NASA team, Yui could post updates during the shutdown. He described his images, noting how the comet’s tails differ between ion and dust types. This level of detail adds a personal touch as he pondered the beauty of the comets, likening the experience to “heading out on a date.”
Recent observations have noted that it’s quite rare to see two bright comets at once. Both Lemmon and SWAN reached their peak brightness around October 20-21. Lemmon was discovered earlier this year by astronomer David Carson Fuls in Arizona, while SWAN was identified by amateur astronomer Vladimir Bezugly using equipment from the European Space Agency.
According to a recent survey by the American Astronomical Society, interest in astronomy has surged, with 65% of respondents expressing a desire to learn more about celestial events like these. This trend shows how space exploration captures the public’s imagination and creates a community of enthusiasts eager to share in these cosmic experiences.
While Yui’s observations provided insights into the comets’ behavior, NASA’s release adds to the excitement for both scientists and the general public. The combination of stunning visuals and personal stories from space keeps the wonder of our universe alive.
For more detailed images and information, you can check NASA’s extensive archives here.
