Is tonight's comet visible? Time, tips, where to look for Comet Lemmon, Comet SWAN - Bergen Record
Original story by: NorthJersey.com
Last updated: Oct 20, 2025
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- Context: A rare celestial event is occurring with two comets, Lemmon and SWAN, becoming visible in the night sky. This opportunity coincides with the peak of the Orionid meteor shower, offering stargazers a dual cosmic spectacle. Both comets are making a close approach to Earth and will be at their brightest for a brief period.
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- Detailed Summary:
- Two comets, Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), are currently visible in the night sky, with their peak brightness expected between October 20 and 21, 2025.
- Comet Lemmon will pass approximately 56 million miles from Earth, while Comet SWAN will come closer, around 24 million miles away.
- Comet Lemmon, discovered in January 2025, is a bright green comet and might be visible to the naked eye under very dark conditions. Its closest approach will be around Halloween 2025, with its next close approach expected in about 1,150 years.
- Comet SWAN, discovered in September 2025, is slightly dimmer but may also be visible to the naked eye as a faint object. It is best positioned for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
- For optimal viewing, stargazers should seek locations away from city lights and use lower magnification on telescopes or binoculars due to the comets' diffuse nature and tails.
- Comet Lemmon is best viewed in the northwest after sunset, near bright stars like Arcturus. Comet SWAN is visible in the southwest after sunset.
- The weather in New Jersey is forecast to be generally clear for viewing.
- The article also mentions Halley's Comet, noting its last appearance in February 1986 and its next expected return around July 28, 2061, with a potentially much better viewing opportunity.
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