SCIENCE
Sky Spectacles: Two Comets Light Up the Night
New Jersey, USATue Oct 21 2025
In October 2025, the night sky puts on a rare show with two comets visible to the naked eye. Comet Lemmon and Comet SWAN are making their closest approaches to Earth, offering a unique opportunity for stargazers.
Comet Lemmon
- Discovered: January 2025
- Brightest: Around Halloween
- Closest to Earth: October 21
- Best Viewing: Northwest in the evening sky
Comet SWAN
- Discovered: September 2025
- Visibility: Slightly dimmer
- Best Viewing: Southern Hemisphere, Southwest in the evening sky
How to Spot the Comets
- Find a dark spot away from city lights.
- Look to the northwest for Comet Lemmon.
- Look to the southwest for Comet SWAN.
- Their exact positions will change each night.
A Rare Opportunity
- Comet Lemmon won't be this close to Earth again for about 1,150 years.
- If you miss it this time, you'll have to wait a long while for another chance.
Halley's Comet: The Most Famous of All
- Last appeared in 1986.
- Next appearance: 2061.
- Visible roughly every 76 years.
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questions
How does the discovery process of comets by different observatories impact our understanding of their origins and trajectories?
What would happen if Comet SWAN and Comet Lemmon collided in a cosmic game of celestial bumper cars?
What are the specific atmospheric conditions that could potentially obstruct the visibility of Comet Lemmon and Comet SWAN despite the generally clear weather forecast?
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