Two Bright Comets to Grace Earth’s Skies This Month

According to Rokna, skywatchers around the world are in for a rare celestial treat this month as two newly discovered comets — Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) — make their closest approach to Earth, creating a dazzling display across the night sky.

Astronomers say both comets are currently visible through binoculars and small telescopes, offering a unique opportunity for stargazers to witness an event that will not recur for centuries.

Comet SWAN, discovered on September 10 by Ukrainian astronomer Vladimir Bezugly using NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, will come within 24 million miles of Earth on October 20. Just a day later, Comet Lemmon — first detected in January by the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona — will sweep to 55 million miles from our planet.

“These comets are time capsules from the early solar system,” said Carrie Holt, an astronomer at Las Cumbres Observatory. “As their ices begin to sublimate near the Sun, they reveal materials that have remained unchanged for billions of years.”

Currently, Comet SWAN is most visible in the Southern Hemisphere during early evenings, while Comet Lemmon can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere just before dawn — though it will soon be visible in the evenings as well.

Experts advise enthusiasts to find a dark location away from city lights and use binoculars or a small telescope for the best view. According to Carson Fuls, director of the Catalina Sky Survey, “Comet Lemmon could become bright enough to be seen with the naked eye — a truly rare event for amateur astronomers.”

For those unable to watch due to weather conditions, The Virtual Telescope Project will livestream the phenomenon from Italy on October 20, allowing viewers worldwide to witness the dual display of cosmic beauty.

Both comets, scientists note, will not return to Earth’s vicinity for centuries — with Lemmon expected to reappear in about 1,300 years and SWAN in roughly 700 years.

According to Rokna reporters, two comets, C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN), will be visible in the sky this month, and residents of Iran will also have the opportunity to witness their passage.

Comet Lemmon is currently visible in the Iranian sky and is expected to become observable to the naked eye in late October and early November. The comet will reach its closest point to Earth on October 21.

Comet SWAN will reach its nearest approach to Earth on October 20 and can be seen in the southwestern sky of Iran, particularly during the early evening hours.

Astronomy experts recommend that enthusiasts use binoculars for a better view and observe from areas with dark, clear skies. These comets offer a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of Iran’s autumn sky.