This October, the recently-discovered C/2025 R2 (SWAN), or SWAN25B, will pass over Earth, but there’s a catch— the next time we’ll be able to see it is 2625.
Casual astronomer Vladimir Bezugly spotted the comet on September 11, after viewing images from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a NASA/European Space Agency collaboration intended to observe the sun.
The comet has since become a hot topic of discussion, as not only is it new to our solar system, but one of the brighest findings through SOHO. It has become synonymous with its green glow and long tail, pictured below.
Although C/2025 R2 (SWAN) will be 40 million kilometres away when it passes Earth at its closest (its perigee) in mid-October, that’ll be the best time to catch it. The comet is currently just visible with the naked eye, but spotting it will become much easier when it hits its perigee on October 19.
Luckily, the best views so far have been recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, setting up us Aussies for a once-in-a-lifetime treat! Grab the binoculars, camera or telescope for the best chance at catching it, and most importantly, try to avoid light polution. This comet needs your full attention!
Check out our guide to the best stargazing observatories and tours in Perth and the regions to see your best options for spotting SWAN25B, or you can track its progress via the TheSkyLive.
