MANILA, Philippines – Stargazers are in for a rare celestial spectacle this week as two comets — Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) — make their closest approach to Earth, coinciding with the peak of the Orionid meteor shower.

Starting Monday night, October 20, and continuing through Tuesday, October 21, both comets will be visible in the night sky, offering skywatchers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch a double cosmic show.

According to Space.com, the bright green Comet Lemmon will pass within 56 million miles (90 million kilometers) of Earth, while Comet SWAN will come even closer at around 24 million miles (39 million kilometers) — both close enough to be seen through binoculars or small telescopes.

A rare appearance in the night sky

Comet Lemmon, discovered in January 2025 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona, has now reached a brightness magnitude of +6 — the threshold of visibility to the naked eye under perfectly dark skies. NASA predicts that it could shine even brighter as it approaches its closest point near Halloween (October 31 to November 2).

To spot Lemmon, NASA suggests looking northwest about 90 minutes after sunset, near the bright star Arcturus in the constellation Boötes.

Meanwhile, Comet SWAN — detected in September 2025 by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory’s SWAN instrument — is currently glowing at a magnitude of +5.6. It will appear in the southwestern evening sky, best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. Skywatchers in the Philippines may still catch it low on the south-southwest horizon, shortly after sunset.

Both comets will continue to brighten through the end of October as they move across the night sky.

Best viewing conditions

In many parts of the world, including New Jersey, weather agencies forecast clear skies for the peak nights. The National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA report that any lingering clouds and showers should clear out before sunset, making for ideal stargazing conditions.

For the best view, experts recommend heading to dark, open areas far from city lights, where both comets — and the Orionid meteor shower — can be observed.

Both comets will be visible from the Philippines beginning October 20 to 21, weather permitting, with optimal viewing times about 30 to 90 minutes after sunset.

Comet Lemmon: Northwest after sunset

Comet Lemmon, discovered in January 2025 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona, will appear in the northwest sky, glowing faintly green as it moves near the bright star Arcturus in the constellation Boötes.

Skywatchers should face north-northwest from dark areas away from city lights, such as beaches or elevated spots, to spot its faint tail. The comet will reach its brightest phase around Halloween (October 31 to November 2) before fading from view — and it won’t return for another 1,150 years.

Comet SWAN: Low in the southwest horizon

Comet SWAN, discovered in September 2025 by NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, will be visible low in the southwest horizon shortly after twilight.

While dimmer than Lemmon, SWAN can still be seen with binoculars from open areas with a clear view of the south-southwest sky. It sets quickly, so timing is key — aim to spot it within an hour after sunset.

Viewing tips

To get the best view, find a dark location with minimal light pollution and a clear horizon. Let your eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes and use binoculars or a small telescope if available. Stargazing apps like Stellarium or Star Walk 2 can help locate each comet.

With clear skies and patience, Filipinos can witness one of 2025’s rarest night-sky events — a celestial double feature that won’t happen again for generations.

How rare is this event?

Comet Lemmon will not return for another 1,150 years, while SWAN’s orbital period is still being studied — making this conjunction an exceedingly rare event.

“This is one of those special nights when multiple cosmic events align,” said a Space.com report. “Two comets visible at once, and a meteor shower overhead — it’s the kind of celestial coincidence that comes maybe once in a generation.”

What about Halley’s Comet?

With comet fever sweeping the globe, many are asking when Halley’s Comet, the most famous of all, will return.

Halley’s Comet last passed Earth in 1986, though viewing conditions were poor. It will make its next appearance around July 28, 2061, when it is expected to shine ten times brighter than during its last visit, according to Space.com.

Until then, skywatchers can enjoy this October’s rare double feature — a fleeting reminder of how dynamic and alive our night sky truly is.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Is tonight’s comet visible? Time, tips, where to look for Comet Lemmon, Comet SWAN

About The Author

Antonio Manaytay

Antonio Manaytay is a journalist, editor, and pastor reporting for Rappler and leading the Daily Sun Chronicle. A 2024 Klima Fellow, he covers climate, governance, and grassroots resilience in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

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