Both comets are making their closest approach to Earth. Tonight offers a rare chance to see them in all their green glory. Many stargazers may never get this opportunity again. These comets won’t return for over a thousand years.
Comet Lemmon is the brighter of the two. Its green glow will appear near the bright star Arcturus in the western sky. The comet is visible without a telescopemaking it accessible for families, casual observers, and professional astronomers alike.
Comet SWANdiscovered in September 2025, is slightly dimmer but still spectacular. It sits below the star Altair after sunset. With binocularsits green tail becomes clearly visible. Together, these comets create a rare, unforgettable pairing in the night sky.
Tonight’s sky show is a reminder of how vast and dynamic our solar system is. Comets like Lemmon and SWAN travel incredible distances over centuries, and we are lucky to witness them. This event connects us to the cosmic timeline in a way most natural events cannot.
The best viewing window is approximately 30–45 minutes after sunset. Look towards the western horizon. If possible, choose a location with minimal light pollution. A dark field, park, or hilltop will give the clearest view of the comets’ bright green glow.Both comets are long-period comets, meaning they travel far from the Sun and take centuries to return. Lemmon’s orbital path is over 1,350 years inboundwhile its outbound journey is about 1,150 years. SWAN also takes centuries to return. That makes tonight’s viewing extremely rare.Even without professional equipment, the sight is breathtaking. A pair of binoculars enhances the view, especially for SWAN. Photographers may also capture stunning images of the green tails, creating lasting memories of this unique night.
This event is more than a visual spectacle. It is a chance to connect with the universe and experience something that will not repeat in our lifetimes. For astronomy enthusiasts, families, and curious observers alike, tonight’s comet display is a must-see event.
What makes Comet Lemmon so special?
Comet Lemmon is not just any comet. Discovered earlier this year, it has an orbital path that spans 1,350 years inbound. After it swings closest to the Sun on November 8, 2025it will take around 1,150 years to return.
Tonight, the comet appears about 12° above the western horizon after sunset. Its bright green glow is visible to the naked eye, shining near the star Arcturus. For those using binoculars, the view is even more remarkable. You can see both Arcturus and the comet in a single field of vision.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Few people alive today will ever see Comet Lemmon again. Its rare journey through our solar system makes it a highlight for astronomers and casual observers alike.
How can you spot comet SWAN?
Comet SWAN, discovered in September 2025, is also captivating. It is visible in the northern hemispheresitting about 20° below the star Altair after sunset. While it is slightly dimmer than Lemmon, binoculars make it easier to observe clearly.
The comet is moving across the sky slowly but steadily, and tonight is one of the best nights to catch it. Look towards the western sky shortly after sunset, ideally from a spot with minimal light pollution.
SWAN’s unique green color comes from gases released as it heats up near the Sun. Observing this comet gives a sense of witnessing the solar system in action. It’s not just a dot of light—it’s a piece of cosmic history passing by.
When is the best time to watch these Comets?
Timing is key when it comes to viewing comets. For both Lemmon and SWAN, the ideal window is roughly 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. During this time, the sky is dark enough to see their glow, but the horizon is still clear.
For the best experience, find a wide, unobstructed view of the western sky. Avoid city lights and tall buildings. A pair of binoculars will enhance the view, especially for SWAN, which is dimmer than Lemmon.
Remember, these comets are fleeting. Clouds, haze, or an obstructed view can make the difference between seeing a faint glow or catching a brilliant display. Tonight’s conditions are expected to be favorable, so set your alarm, grab your binoculars, and head outside.
Why is this a once-in-a-lifetime event?
The orbital paths of both comets make this a unique opportunity. Comet Lemmon won’t return for over 1,000 yearsand SWAN is also a long-period comet. That means most of us will never see these comets again.
Events like this remind us of the vastness of space and the rarity of celestial phenomena. It’s not every day that two bright, green comets pass close enough to Earth to be visible without a telescope.
For families, astronomy clubs, or solo observers, tonight is perfect for connecting with the night sky. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring. And for photographers, it’s a chance to capture a historic moment in astronomy.
What equipment do you need to see them clearly?
The good news is that both comets can be spotted without a telescope. Comet Lemmon is bright enough for the naked eye. Comet SWAN may require binoculars for best visibility.
A standard pair of binoculars, like 7×35, will work. They will allow you to see details of the comet’s glow and its tail. If you have a camera with a tripod, consider taking long-exposure shots to capture the full effect.
Location is just as important as equipment. The darker the skies, the better the view. If you live in a city, try a park or open field. Avoid bright streetlights or illuminated buildings in your line of sight.
How to make the most of tonight’s Comet show?
Plan ahead. Find your viewing spot before sunset. Bring a blanket or chair for comfort. Keep your eyes on the western horizon, and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for 5–10 minutes.
Sharing this moment with friends or family makes it more special. Even if you’ve never looked at the night sky through a telescope or binoculars, these comets are easy to find and enjoy.
Tonight, the sky is offering a rare show. Two bright, green comets passing by will remind us of the wonders of the universe. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event.
Comet watchers have a rare treat this Friday night. Two bright green comets — Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) — will be visible in the evening sky for the last time in over 1,100 years. Astronomers say this is the best and possibly final chance for skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere to view both before they fade from sight.
Comet Lemmon, the brighter of the two, is moving westward through the constellation Boötes in the northwestern sky. It made its closest approach to Earth earlier this week and is now receding rapidly. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the comet’s orbit spans roughly 1,150 years, meaning it won’t return until well beyond the year 3100. At magnitude 5.3, Lemmon is faintly visible to the naked eye under dark skies, but binoculars provide a much clearer view. Observers should look west after sunset, near the bright orange star Arcturus, where the comet’s greenish glow is easiest to spot just above the horizon.
Meanwhile, Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) will appear dimmer and lower in the southwestern sky, positioned beneath the Summer Triangle stars — Vega, Deneb, and Altair. Discovered by the Solar Wind Anisotropies (SWAN) instrument aboard the SOHO spacecraft in 2025, this comet has drawn interest for its distinctive green hue caused by diatomic carbon molecules glowing in sunlight. Although fainter than Lemmon at magnitude 7.2, it remains visible with small telescopes or binoculars. The best viewing window is roughly 45 to 60 minutes after sunset, before the comets sink too low.
Sky conditions tonight are ideal, with only a 10% illuminated waxing crescent moon. Over the next several nights, the moon will brighten and drown out the comets’ faint light, making visibility increasingly difficult. Astronomers recommend clear western and southwestern horizons away from city lights for optimal viewing.
These two icy visitors, both tracing elongated orbits far beyond Neptune, represent some of the rarest celestial events of the decade. Scientists note that their simultaneous visibility is exceptionally unusual. By the end of October, both comets will fade below naked-eye visibility and continue their long journey through the outer solar system.
For sky enthusiasts, this Friday marks a once-in-a-millennium spectacle — a final opportunity to witness two green comets lighting up Earth’s skies before they vanish for more than 1,000 years.
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