On October 20-21, two green comets will light up the night sky, coinciding with the peak of the Orionid meteor shower. If you want to get a head start, Comets Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and SWAN (C/2025 R2) are already visible in the Northern Hemisphere with binoculars or a small telescope. Here’s what you need to know to spot them on October 10, 2025.
Comet Lemmon is currently the brightest, shining at about magnitude 5.8. It last graced our inner solar system over 1,300 years ago and won’t return until around 3175. On the other hand, Comet SWAN has an impressive orbit, taking nearly 22,554 years to complete. It will next visit in 24,579. These are the first comets to be seen with binoculars since Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in October 2024.
For the best chance to see these comets, look north and west at night. Comet Lemmon will be visible in the northeast before sunrise, near the Big Dipper, while the waning gibbous moon will be setting in the west. After sunset, Comet SWAN can be found low in the southwest.
Both comets will become brighter as they approach Earth between October 20 and 23. If you’re using binoculars, look for a small, diffuse patch of light that shifts slightly each night. Comet SWAN should be low in the sunset view, and Lemmon will soon be visible in the post-sunset sky too.
Here’s how to find them:
- Comet Lemmon: Best viewed around 5:30 AM EDT, about 30 degrees above the horizon in New York City.
- Comet SWAN: Look around 7:50 PM EDT, it will be about 13 degrees above the horizon.
As for their brightness, Lemmon and SWAN are close to the limit where they can be seen without help. Dark skies will aid in visibility, but binoculars (around 8×42 to 10×50) or a small telescope will enhance your experience. In fact, short bursts of brightness can occur, making these moments even more exciting.
Interestingly, Comet Lemmon’s orbit has been altered by its recent close encounter with Jupiter. In April 2025, it passed about 216 million miles from the gas giant, which changed its orbital path—shortening its return to around 1,150 years instead of 1,350. Jupiter acts like a cosmic gatekeeper, shifting the paths of many comets.
Recent surveys show that interest in astronomy has surged, especially among younger people who are finding joy in stargazing and appreciating cosmic events. Social media is buzzing with excitement as people share their viewing experiences and tips on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Hashtags like #CometLemmon and #CometSWAN are gaining traction, helping enthusiasts connect and share their views.
For expert insights, NASA’s team of comet specialists often remind us how essential these celestial events are for expanding our knowledge of solar system dynamics. Every comet brings a unique story and a reminder of the vastness of our universe.
If you’re interested in tracking the comets more closely, resources like In-The-Sky.com provide finder charts to help guide your viewing. Enjoy the celestial spectacle!
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