A Bright Visitor from Space: Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) to Pass Earth Next Week

By Suraj Karowa
October 18, 2025

A stunning new comet, named Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN), is set to pass close to Earth on October 21, 2025. This exciting event gives people worldwide a chance to see a glowing wonder in the night sky. Discovered last month by an amateur astronomer from Ukraine, this comet is getting brighter as it nears the Sun. It might even be visible without a telescope. This makes it one of the most thrilling space events of 2025.

A Surprise Discovery
On September 10, 2025, Vladimir Bezugly, an amateur astronomer from Ukraine, spotted the comet. He found it in images from NASA’s SOHO spacecraft, which studies the Sun. The comet was seen in the spacecraft’s Solar Wind Anisotropies (SWAN) tool, giving it its name. Since its discovery, the comet has been shining brighter. It’s now catching the attention of astronomers and skywatchers everywhere.
Comets are like giant snowballs made of ice, rock, and other materials. They come from the early days of our solar system, billions of years ago. As they get closer to the Sun, the heat turns their ice into gas. This creates a glowing cloud called a coma and a long, shiny tail. The tail can stretch millions of kilometers, making comets beautiful to see.

When and Where to Look
The comet will be closest to Earth on October 21, 2025, the best time to spot it. You can see it in the evening sky, right after sunset, through October. Dark locations, away from city lights, give you the best chance to see it clearly. Rural areas are perfect because city lights can hide the comet’s glow. Check the sky between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM for the best view.
On October 16, the comet is near a star called Xi Serpentis in the Serpens constellation. By next week, it will move toward the “teapot” shape in Sagittarius. Later, it heads toward the Scutum constellation. By the end of October, look above the southern horizon. You’ll see it near the stars Sadalmelik and Sadalsuud in Aquarius.

The half-lit Moon might make it a bit harder to see the comet. Still, it should stand out in dark skies. To find it easily, use smartphone apps like Stellarium or Sky Guide. These apps show you exactly where to look based on your location.
How Bright Is It?
The comet currently has a brightness “magnitude” of 5.6, according to the Comet Observation Database. This means it’s almost bright enough to see without tools in very dark skies. The human eye can see objects up to a magnitude of about 6. If the sky is clear and dark, you might spot it faintly. Binoculars or a small telescope will make the comet’s greenish glow and dusty tail much clearer.

Why Comets Are Special
Comets like C/2025 R2 (SWAN) are like time machines from the solar system’s past. They’re made of materials that formed the planets billions of years ago. When they approach the Sun, gases like carbon dioxide and methane burst out. This creates the comet’s bright tail, glowing with sunlight. Scientists study comets to learn about the solar system’s history.
The comet’s glow comes from sunlight reflecting off its dust and gases. The green color comes from ionized carbon molecules. Astronomers are watching this comet closely to see if it gets brighter. They also want to know if it might break apart as it passes by. Its beauty and mystery make it a fascinating object to study.

Tips for Watching the Comet
To see Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN), find a dark spot away from city lights. The best time is between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM, when the comet is high in the sky. Binoculars or a small telescope will give you a great view of its tail and coma. For photos, use a camera with a wide-angle lens and long exposure settings. This will capture the comet’s glow against the starry sky.

A Rare Sky Show
This year has brought supermoons and planets lining up, but this comet is extra special. It’s rare for a comet to come close enough to see without a telescope. Even if it’s faint to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will show its stunning details. People in North America, Europe, and Asia can enjoy this cosmic show. Don’t miss this chance to see a piece of the solar system’s history!
FAQs
When is the comet closest to Earth?
It will be closest on October 21, 2025, making it easiest to see then.
Can I see it without a telescope?
Yes, in dark skies, it might be faintly visible. Binoculars or a telescope will give a better view.

Where should I look?
Look toward the southern sky after sunset, near Serpens, Sagittarius, or Aquarius. Use a stargazing app to find it.