25 Dark Sky Parks In The U.S. To See The Comets, Meteors And Aurora

Original story by: Forbes Last updated: Oct 17, 2025

Context: The article discusses the visibility of comets Lemmon and SWAN in the night sky during mid-October 2025. It also highlights the potential for the Northern Lights and the Orionid meteor shower to coincide with this period. The text provides tips for viewing and photographing these celestial events, emphasizing the importance of dark sky locations.
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Detailed Summary:
- Comets Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and SWAN (C/2025 R2) are expected to be visible and reach peak brightness around October 20-21, 2025.
- This period also coincides with the peak of the Orionid meteor shower, which can produce around 20 "shooting stars."
- The Northern Lights (aurora) are also likely to be visible, especially in northern U.S. states and Canada, due to favorable Earth's magnetic field orientation after the equinoxes and ongoing geomagnetic activity from October 16-21.
- Viewing the comets is best from dark sky destinations, with naked-eye visibility possible. Binoculars are recommended for locating them.
- To photograph comets, a smartphone with night or pro mode and RAW capability, or a DSLR/mirrorless camera with a tripod and specific settings (ISO 800-1600, f/2.8-f/4 aperture, 2-5 second shutter speed, focus to infinity or on a bright star/moon), can be used.
- Urban areas will significantly hinder visibility of comets, meteors, and aurora.
- A list of 25 recommended dark sky locations in the U.S. is provided, including national parks, state parks, and national forests.