Two Bright Comets Headed Closer to Earth

Two dazzling comets will zoom by Earth this month, putting on a show in the night skies. Here is what you need to know about these two newly discovered comets and how to see them.

Two New Comets Set to Put on a Show

Researchers have identified two comets that are set to make their closest approaches to Earth in the coming weeks. Comets are comprised of a mixture of rock, frozen gases, and ice. Heat from the sun causes the comets to release gas and dust, forming the distinctive tails.

The comet known as C/2025 A6 Lemmon was discovered in early January, while C/2025 R2 SWAN was first discovered on September 10 as it approached the sun. Although you will need a pair of binoculars or a telescope to spot SWAN, Lemmon may be visible to the naked eye for a brief period.

The oval-shaped orbits of both comets as they travel around the sun mean that they will only be visible for a short time. For example, Comet SWAN will not pass by Earth for another 650 to 700 years. Meanwhile, Lemmon will be out of sight for at least 1,300 years.