**Comets and Meteor Showers to Grace October Sky: How to Watch**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 22, 2025, 05:22 PM*
October promises a spectacular show in the night sky, featuring two comets and the Orionid meteor shower. Skywatchers are in for a treat as these celestial events unfold, offering a rare opportunity to witness multiple wonders in a single month.
**Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN)**
Discovered in mid-September by NASA-ESA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) is a long-period comet with an orbital cycle of approximately 22,554 years. This October, it will make a close approach to Earth, coming within 0.27 astronomical units (AU).
SWAN is notable for its impressive tail, which stretches across an area equivalent to about five full Moons. It is expected to brighten enough to be visible to the naked eye under dark skies. The best time to observe SWAN will be during the nights of October 20 to 23. This period coincides with a new Moon on October 21, creating optimal conditions with minimal moonlight to enhance visibility. For the best experience, observers should avoid areas with light pollution and allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness.
**Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)**
Another exciting visitor, comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon), discovered earlier this year by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona, will also be visible this month. Lemmon is expected to pass at a distance of about 0.60 AU on October 21.
Similar to SWAN, comet Lemmon could brighten to around magnitude 4 under ideal viewing conditions. This means that skywatchers might be lucky enough to spot two comets with the naked eye on the same night—a rare and thrilling spectacle.
**Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks**
Adding to the celestial show, the Orionid meteor shower, caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, will peak between October 22 and 23. During this time, observers may see up to 20 shooting stars per hour if conditions are perfect.
Thanks to the new Moon on October 21, the night sky will be darker with minimal moonlight interference. This darkness enhances the visibility of both the faint comets and the meteor trails, making late October the perfect time for skywatching enthusiasts.
**Tips for Watching**
– Find a dark location away from city lights.
– Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes.
– Check the weather and aim for clear skies.
– Bring a reclining chair or blanket for comfortable viewing.
With two naked-eye comets and a vibrant meteor shower lighting up the skies, October 2025 is set to be an unforgettable month for astronomy lovers. Don’t miss out on this celestial extravaganza!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/two-comets-orionids-to-light-up-october-night-skies/story