Double Comet Alert: Spotting Comets Lemmon and SWAN
Comets Lemmon and SWAN are expected to reach their brightest this week, offering a rare opportunity for observation.
Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) will make its closest approach to Earth on Oct. 21, approximately 24 hours after Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) does the same.
- Comet Lemmon: closest approach on Oct. 21
- Comet SWAN: closest approach approximately 24 hours before Comet Lemmon
According to SpaceWeather.com, Comet Lemmon has reached a magnitude of 4.5, comparable to the brightness of the Beehive Cluster (M44) and slightly dimmer than the Andromeda galaxy (M31).
Comet Lemmon may look more like a lime than its name suggests
This week presents the best chance to spot both comets, especially after a year without any comets visible without specialist equipment.
Author's summary: Two comets, Lemmon and SWAN, are visible this week.