Green Comets Lemmon and Swan Visible in Night Sky
Skywatchers have a rare chance this month to view two green comets – Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Swan (C/2023 A3) – as they make their closest approaches to Earth. Comet Lemmon is anticipated to be visible throughout January and Febuary 2025, while Comet Swan is currently visible and will remain so into February 2024.
These celestial visitors offer a captivating spectacle for both amateur and experienced astronomers, and provide a chance to witness events that occur only once every few decades. Successfully photographing these comets requires specific techniques, as their faint light demands longer exposure times and stable equipment.
According to Star Walk, a tripod is essential for capturing clear images of the night sky.For smartphone photography, settings of ISO 1600 to 3200 and exposure times of five to ten seconds are recommended. Camera users should utilize ISO settings between 1600 and 3200, with exposure times ranging from ten to 20 seconds. A quick smartphone recording can also aid in locating the comets, similar to the method used for spotting the aurora borealis. (Source: own research)
