Witness a rare cosmic event this October: Twin comets Swan and Lemmon align with Orionid meteor shower |

This October, skywatchers have a rare celestial present to look ahead to as Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) and Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) strategy their closest level to Earth round October 21. Observers within the Northern Hemisphere might be able to see each comets within the sky on the identical night time, a spectacular and unusual sight. The event completely aligns with the height of the Orionid meteor shower and a new moon, providing exceptionally darkish skies for optimum viewing. SWAN will glow low within the southwestern sky whereas Lemmon strikes throughout the northwestern horizon, making binoculars useful. Together, the dual comets and streaking meteors promise some of the memorable astronomical shows of 2025.

Rare double comet sighting as Swan and Lemmon brighten October skies

This October marks a rare alternative to view not only one, however two brilliant comets inside days of one another. Comet SWAN and Comet Lemmon are anticipated to turn out to be seen in darkish skies, probably even with out telescopes, although binoculars could improve the expertise.The visibility of comets is notoriously unpredictable, as they’ll brighten or fade quickly as a result of sudden outbursts. Both comets will start showing within the sky round October 9, however October 21 is the prime night time for viewing as a result of minimal moonlight and the height of the Orionid meteor shower.

When and the place to identify comet SWAN

Discovered in September 2025, the blueish-green Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) is anticipated to be seen to observers at mid-northern latitudes beginning the second week of October. The comet will seem low within the southwestern sky within the constellation Libra shortly after sundown.As October progresses, SWAN will transfer northeast via Scorpius, Ophiuchus, and Serpens, steadily climbing greater within the sky. By October 13, it’ll go slightly below Sabik, a brilliant star in Ophiuchus. Its peak brightness is anticipated round October 21, when it reaches its closest level to the Sun, earlier than steadily dimming because it strikes away from Earth.For optimum viewing, astronomers suggest heading to places with minimal gentle air pollution, corresponding to Dark Sky Parks or areas with unobstructed western horizons.

Tracking comet Lemmon: Brightening throughout the northwestern sky

Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6), found earlier in January 2025 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona, has been steadily brightening because it approaches Earth. By mid-October, it turns into seen low within the northwestern sky, transferring beneath the Big Dipper constellation.Around October 16, Lemmon will go inside a diploma of Cor Caroli, the brilliant star in Canes Venatici, providing a good reference level for skywatchers. Like SWAN, Lemmon will attain its closest strategy to Earth on October 21, making this night time splendid for observing each celestial guests.

Orionid meteor shower peaks alongside comets in October

Adding to the spectacle, the Orionid meteor shower will peak on October 21-22, providing round 20 meteors per hour beneath clear, darkish skies. Best noticed after midnight when Orion rises excessive within the southeast, these meteors originate from particles left behind by Halley’s Comet.The alignment of occasions this 12 months is outstanding: the brand new moon ensures darkish skies, whereas the simultaneous presence of Comet SWAN and Comet Lemmon supplies stargazers with a rare, multi-layered celestial show. Shooting stars and twin comets in a single night time make this an unmissable event for astronomy fans and informal skywatchers alike.

Best ideas for observing the October celestial present

To maximise your viewing expertise, specialists recommend discovering a location away from metropolis lights, with clear western and northern horizons for observing the comets. Bringing binoculars is advisable, as comet brightness can differ. Documenting the event with a digital camera or smartphone tripod can be advisable for capturing the fleeting great thing about each comets and the meteor shower.October 21 guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical spectacle, the place fans can witness Comet SWAN, Comet Lemmon, and the Orionids multi function breathtaking night time sky present.Also Read | The Red Sea vanished from Earth for 100,000 years: What introduced it again will astonish you