Key Observations
- Two newly visible comets, Lemmon and SWAN, will reach peak brightness in late October along with the enigmatic interstellar object 3I/ATLAS that has captivated global attention
- Comet Lemmon will be visible to the naked eye around October 21 during the new moon, exhibiting a distinctive emerald glow caused by fluorescing carbon molecules, and won’t return to Earth’s vicinity until the year 3175
- Amateur and professional astronomers have a rare window to observe three celestial objects simultaneously, with specific viewing times and locations varying by object through the end of October
By Samuel Lopez | USA Herald
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – As the world remains fixated on the puzzling interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, two confirmed comets are quietly staging their own celestial show across Northern Hemisphere skies this October. Comet Lemmon and Comet SWAN are both illuminating the night with distinctive green hazes, offering skywatchers multiple opportunities to witness rare cosmic visitors before month’s end.
Comet Lemmon, formally designated C/2025 A6, represents the marquee event of October’s astronomical lineup. First detected by Arizona’s Mount Lemmon Survey in January, the comet is expected to reach peak brightness on or around October 21, coinciding with the new moon when darker skies will enhance visibility.
The comet’s signature emerald glow stems from carbon molecules in its coma that fluoresce when exposed to solar radiation. As of mid-October, Lemmon has been positioned near Ursa Major in the pre-dawn sky, though it will transition to evening visibility as it moves westward through the month.
What makes this sighting particularly significant is its rarity. According to orbital calculations, Comet Lemmon won’t return to Earth’s neighborhood until the year 3175, making this October potentially the only chance for anyone alive today to observe it with the naked eye.
The second confirmed visitor, Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), presents a more modest but equally intriguing spectacle. Discovered just last month by an amateur astronomer analyzing NASA satellite data, SWAN hangs low in the southwestern sky and is best observed approximately 90 minutes after sunset.
Unlike its brighter companion, SWAN requires binoculars or a small telescope for optimal viewing. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth on October 19, when it should appear at its brightest. As it continues its approach toward our planet, SWAN has been steadily increasing in luminosity, though it remains a more challenging target for casual observers.
Overshadowing both confirmed comets is the mysterious interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, which has sparked intense debate within the astrophysical community. The object’s extrasolar origin is confirmed, but its true nature remains disputed.
Astrophysicists worldwide agree on one point, 3I/ATLAS exhibits unusual behavior that defies typical expectations. The object has yet to be definitively classified, with researchers noting anomalies in its trajectory and characteristics that distinguish it from standard cometary bodies. Whether 3I/ATLAS represents a conventional celestial object with peculiar properties or something more extraordinary continues to fuel scientific discourse and public fascination.
For observers hoping to catch October’s cosmic trifecta, light pollution remains the primary obstacle. Urban dwellers may struggle to observe any of the objects without traveling to darker locations away from city lights.
Comet Lemmon offers the most accessible viewing opportunity, requiring no equipment and presenting best in the early evening hours after its transition from pre-dawn visibility. The October 21 new moon provides ideal conditions, with minimal lunar interference obscuring the comet’s distinctive green glow.
SWAN demands more dedication, requiring optical aids and precise timing. The narrow window roughly 90 minutes after sunset, combined with its low position on the southwestern horizon, means observers will need an unobstructed view and clear weather conditions.
The simultaneous appearance of two confirmed comets alongside an interstellar object of uncertain classification represents an unusual convergence of celestial events. While comets regularly pass through Earth’s viewable space, the combination of easily visible objects, the new moon timing, and the ongoing 3I/ATLAS mystery creates a particularly compelling moment for both amateur stargazers and professional astronomers.
The Northern Hemisphere positioning favors observers in North America, Europe, and Asia, though specific viewing angles and optimal times vary by latitude. Southern Hemisphere observers will have limited or no visibility of these particular objects during October.
