Rare Double Comet Chance: Two Space Rocks May Be Visible This October
Skywatchers are preparing for a possibly impressive celestial event this October: the possible visibility of not one, but two comets – Comet SWAN R2 and Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) – without the aid of binoculars. Both comets are currently on paths that could bring them within viewing distance of Earth, offering a rare opportunity for observers in the Northern Hemisphere.
The comets’ close approaches coincide with peak meteor shower activity, creating a unique astronomical convergence. While comet visibility is never guaranteed, current predictions suggest both SWAN R2 and Lemmon could brighten enough to be seen with the naked eye under dark skies, a phenomenon that hasn’t occurred with multiple comets simultaneously in decades. This offers a notable opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers to witness a breathtaking display of cosmic activity.
Comet SWAN R2, discovered in March 2024, is expected to reach its closest approach to Earth on October 21.It will be approximately 0.59 AU (astronomical units – roughly 55 million miles) from our planet and visible in the morning sky.
Adding to the excitement,Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon),discovered in January by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona,will also reach its closest approach on October 21,at a distance of 0.60 AU.Space.com reports that Lemmon could potentially reach a magnitude of 4, making it visible to the naked eye in dark conditions. Both comets will be favorably positioned for viewing between October 20-23, coinciding with the new moon, which will provide exceptionally dark skies.
The peak of the Orionid meteor shower, with approximately 20 “shooting stars” per hour, will also occur between October 20-21, further enhancing the potential for a stunning celestial show.
The last shining comet readily visible to the naked eye was C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) in the summer of 2020. More recently, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) became visible through binoculars during its close approach in October 2024. Though, the possibility of two comets reaching naked-eye visibility in such close proximity is a particularly noteworthy event for astronomy enthusiasts.
