Comets Lemmon and SWAN Illuminate October Skies
Comets Lemmon and SWAN are making their closest approaches to Earth, offering a rare celestial display coinciding with the Orionid meteor shower.
Skywatchers are in for a rare celestial event as Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) make their closest approaches to Earth this week, coinciding with the peak of the Orionid meteor shower. Comet Lemmon will pass within approximately 55 million miles of Earth on October 21, while Comet SWAN will come even closer, at about 24 million miles, on October 20.
Both comets are expected to be visible to the naked eye under dark skies. Comet Lemmon, discovered in January 2025 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona, has reached a magnitude of +6, making it potentially visible without optical aid. Observers are advised to look northwest about 90 minutes after sunset to spot it near the bright star Arcturus in the Boötes constellation.
Comet SWAN, first observed in September 2025 via the Solar Wind Anisotropies instrument, is best viewed in the southwest sky shortly after sunset. Although slightly dimmer, with a magnitude of 5.6, it may still be visible to the naked eye under optimal conditions.
The National Weather Service forecasts generally clear skies for New Jersey during this period, enhancing viewing opportunities. The Orionid meteor shower, peaking on October 20-21, adds to the spectacle, with meteors radiating from the Orion constellation.
Astronomers note that such simultaneous visibility of two bright comets is uncommon. Comet Lemmon will not return for approximately 1,150 years, while Comet SWAN's next appearance is expected in about 700 years.
For optimal viewing, find a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon, away from city lights. Using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience, especially for spotting the comets' tails and the meteors from the Orionid shower.