Two comets, C/2025 A4 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN), are about to achieve their closest method to Earth and you’ll watch the motion unfold stay on-line.
Astronomer Gianluca Masi and his Virtual Telescope Project will host a particular livestream on Oct. 20 starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) to observe as each comets make an in depth move to Earth, making them effectively positioned for observations.
“So far, living in the Northern hemisphere, I could admire C/2025 A6 Lemmon only,
but C/2025 R2 SWAN is quickly joining the show and we are ready to amaze every
astronomy lover with our live feed!” Masi told Space.com in an email.
You can watch the cosmic show live here on Space.com courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project or on the project’s website or YouTube channel, climate allowing.
Rare double-comet encounter
Having two proper comets seen within the sky across the identical time is a uncommon cosmic deal with. During the occasion, Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) will move about 56 million miles (90 million kilometers) from Earth, whereas Comet Swan (C/2025 R2) will soar even nearer, at roughly 24 million miles (39 million km). Both are anticipated to peak in brightness between Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.
Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) was found in January 2025 and has been steadily brightening because it soars by means of the internal solar system. Lemmon is visible in a pair of binoculars or small telescopes in the western evening sky after sunset, slowly climbing higher each night as it moves northward.
Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) was discovered in September 2025 by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory‘s SWAN instrument. It is best viewed in the predawn sky, when the comet appears low on the eastern horizon as it continues its journey away from the sun.
If you’re hoping to spot the comets yourself, check out our guides to the best binoculars and best telescopes for beginners, as well as our how to photograph comets guide. And don’t forget to explore our night sky guide for more celestial highlights this month.
Editor’s note: If you capture a photo of Comet Lemmon or Comet SWAN and would like to share it with Space.com, send your images and comments to spacephotos@space.com.