Comet Lemmon Visible Sunday Evening for Last Time in Over a Millennia
Amateur astronomers and sky‑watchers have a brief window on Sunday, Oct. 26, to glimpse the bright comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) alongside the much fainter comet SWAN. The two objects will become visible roughly 90 minutes after sunset, offering perhaps the final opportunity to see them before they disappear from view for the next 1,150 years.
Comet Lemmon, discovered earlier this year, has brightened steadily as it approaches its perihelion, the point in its orbit closest to the Sun. Its apparent magnitude is expected to reach around +4, making it easily visible to the naked eye under dark‑sky conditions. By contrast, comet SWAN will remain a faint, diffuse object, best observed with binoculars or a modest telescope. Both comets are on highly elliptical trajectories that will carry them far beyond the inner solar system, meaning they will not return to the vicinity of Earth for many centuries.
Experts note that such dual‑comet sightings are rare, especially when one of the pair is as bright as Lemmon. "When a comet reaches this level of visibility and remains observable for only a short period, it creates a unique moment for both professional and amateur observers," said a spokesperson for a national astronomical society. The organization is urging the public to find a location away from city lights, allow eyes to adjust for at least ten minutes, and look toward the southwestern horizon where the comets will rise.
Historical records indicate that comets with similar orbital periods have been documented by ancient civilizations, often interpreted as omens. Modern science, however, treats them as valuable opportunities to study primitive material from the early solar system. Researchers hope that observations collected during this brief window will contribute to ongoing studies of comet composition and behavior.
Looking ahead, the next chance to see comet Lemmon will not arise until roughly the 12th century. In the meantime, sky‑watchers are encouraged to share their sightings on social media platforms using the hashtag #CometLemmon, helping to document this fleeting celestial event for both the public and the scientific community.
