Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Phoenix skywatchers are in for a treat tonight as not one, but two comets — C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN) — make their way across the evening sky. Both are now bright enough to be seen through a good pair of binoculars, and one may even flirt with naked-eye visibility under dark conditions.

If you’ve ever wanted to catch a comet without fancy equipment, tonight’s your chance.

🌌 What You’ll See

Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) has been gaining brightness through October and now glows with a faint greenish hue, a sign of vaporized gases and carbon compounds in its tail. Under Phoenix’s clear skies, you may spot it as a fuzzy, glowing patch — brighter than most surrounding stars when viewed through binoculars.

The second visitor, Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), is also within binocular range, adding to this rare double-comet spectacle. Though smaller and dimmer than Lemmon, it’s still worth the hunt.

🕗 When and Where to Look

• Best viewing time: About 30–60 minutes after sunset (roughly between 7:00 and 7:30 PM in Phoenix).
• Comet Lemmon: Look toward the northwest to west horizon, about midway between the bright star Arcturus and the handle of the Big Dipper.
• Comet SWAN: Scan the southwest sky, just above where the Sun has recently set.

Both comets will be low on the horizon, so find an open spot with no buildings or trees blocking your view.

🔭 Tips for Best Viewing

• Use binoculars (7×50 or 10×50 are ideal).
• Step away from bright city lights — South Mountain, Papago Park, or the outskirts of Phoenix offer better visibility.
• Allow your eyes 10–15 minutes to adjust to darkness.
• Bring a stargazing app (like Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2) and search the comet names to track them in real-time.
• If you have a tripod, use it — even slight hand movements can blur the view.

🌙 What to Expect

Comets aren’t as bright or defined as the ones we see in movies. Through binoculars, expect a small, glowing orb with a hint of a tail — especially for Lemmon. As the comet continues to approach the Sun in late October, it may brighten even further.

For many observers, simply knowing you’re seeing an object that’s traveled millions of miles through space makes the experience unforgettable.

⚠️ A Few Things to Note

• Visibility can change night to night depending on brightness, weather, and moonlight.
• If clouds or haze roll in, try again over the next few evenings — both comets will remain visible for several more nights.
• Don’t be discouraged if you don’t spot it immediately — comet hunting takes patience, but the reward is worth it.

📸 Share the Moment

If you manage to snap a photo of Comet Lemmon or SWAN from Phoenix, tag @stmdailynews on social media and use #STMSkyWatch — we might feature your photo in an upcoming article.

For more astronomy updates, local skywatching events, and science news, visit STM DailyNews Astronomy.

About the Comets

• How to See Rare Comet Lemmon During Its Once-in-a-Lifetime Visit – People
• Comet Lemmon: How and When to Watch – Wired
• Two Bright, Once-in-a-Lifetime Comets Visible This Month – Washington Post
• Comet Lemmon Shines in October Skies – Astronomy.com
• How to See Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) in October – Space.com
• Comet SWAN 2025: What to Expect – EarthSky.org

Skywatching Tools

• Sky Tonight – Stargazing App (App Store)
• Star Walk 2 – Interactive Astronomy Guide
• Heavens-Above: Current Comet Positions

For Phoenix Skywatchers

• Phoenix Clear Sky Chart – Weather for Astronomers
• Phoenix Light Pollution Map – Dark Site Finder
• Arizona Science Center – Astronomy Events

Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Daily News Staff

October 7, 2025

This October, skywatchers are in for a rare celestial show — one that won’t happen again for more than 50 years. The Draconid Meteor Shower is expected to put on a spectacular display on the evening of October 8, 2025, marking what astronomers predict could be the last major Draconid outburst until 2078.

🐉 What Are the Draconids?

The Draconids, sometimes called the Giacobinids, are born from dust and debris left behind by Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. As Earth passes through the comet’s trail each October, the tiny fragments enter our atmosphere and burn up — creating bright streaks across the night sky.

Unlike most meteor showers that peak after midnight, the Draconids are best viewed right after sunset, when the constellation Draco the Dragon lies high in the northern sky.

“The Draconids are a bit of an oddball among meteor showers,” notes astronomer Peter Jenniskens. “They can go from almost nothing one year to a full-on meteor storm the next.”

🌌 When and Where to Watch

• Peak Date: October 8, 2025
• Peak Time: Around 7:00 PM UTC (early evening in North America and Europe)
• Active Period: October 6–10
• Best Viewing: Just after nightfall, facing northwest

This year’s shower comes with a catch — a bright full moon will be illuminating the sky, potentially washing out fainter meteors. Still, the brighter fireballs should be visible to the naked eye, especially from rural areas away from city lights.

💥 Why 2025 Is Special

Astronomers predict that in 2025, Earth will pass through dense trails of comet debris ejected during 21P/Giacobini-Zinner’s 2005 and 2012 orbits.

Models suggest a possible meteor outburst — perhaps as many as 150 to 400 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Most of these will likely be faint, but a few bright “dragon fireballs” could stand out even in moonlight.

This will likely be the last significant Draconid outburst until 2078, as gravitational interactions — particularly with Jupiter — will soon pull the comet’s debris field away from Earth’s orbital path.

“The next time Earth crosses this kind of rich dust trail from Comet 21P will be decades away,” said meteor researcher Esko Lyytinen. “This is one of the last chances this century to see a strong Draconid display.”

🔭 Viewing Tips

1. Go dark: Find a spot away from city lights.
2. Look north: Aim your gaze near the constellation Draco, though meteors can appear anywhere.
3. Be patient: Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes.
4. Bring comfort: A reclining chair, blanket, and a warm drink go a long way.
5. Watch early: Unlike other showers, Draconids are best seen right after dusk.

🌠 A Dragon’s Last Roar

The Draconids have a history of surprises — outbursts in 1933 and 1946 produced thousands of meteors per hour, while other years offered only a few. Whether 2025 brings a brief flare or a full-blown celestial storm, it’s a chance to witness a piece of cosmic history.

So mark your calendars for October 8, step outside after sunset, and watch as Draco breathes his last fiery breath — at least, until 2078.

🔗 Related Reading

• Starwatch: Draconids meteor shower promises an early-evening treat – The Guardian
• How to Watch the Draconid Meteor Shower This Week – People
• Dramatic Fireballs Expected During Draconid Meteor Shower – Live Science
• Everything You Need to Know About the Draconids – EarthSky

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world. 

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Planetary Parade

Astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike have something extraordinary to look forward to at the end of February. For one brief moment, on the evening of February 28, 2025, all seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn—will align in the night sky, creating a captivating planetary parade. This remarkable event marks the last time such an alignment will be visible until 2040, making it an occasion not to be missed.

What to Expect

The planetary parade will unfold shortly after sunset, with each planet showcasing its brilliance against the backdrop of the evening sky. While most of these celestial bodies will shine brighter than even the brightest stars, Uranus and Neptune will likely require binoculars or a telescope for a better view.

Currently, six of the planets are already aligned, but stargazers will have to wait until February 28 for Mercury to make its debut just above the horizon. Dr. Christopher Barnes, a senior lecturer at the University of Derby, explains the visibility details: “Mars will appear in the east, Jupiter and Uranus in the southeast, and Venus, Neptune, and Saturn in the west.”

Viewing Tips

For those wishing to experience this cosmic event, the best time to observe will be just after sunset when the stars begin to appear. Dr. Barnes suggests that even people in urban areas, where light pollution is often an issue, will be able to see most of the planets. However, seeking a location away from city lights will enhance the viewing experience.

The Benefits of Stargazing

Beyond the thrilling visual spectacle, taking time to gaze upon the stars and planets offers numerous benefits for one’s mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Barnes points out that stargazing encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to detach from the stresses of daily life. “Engaging with the night sky fosters a sense of peace, restoration, and perspective,” he says.

Future Events

After February 28, the next opportunity to see a planetary alignment of five or more planets will occur in late October 2028 and again in February 2034. However, another seven-planet alignment will not be witnessed for another 15 years, making this February a particularly special occasion.

To cater to those unable to view the parade due to unfavorable weather or light pollution, several observatories will provide live streams of the event. This means everyone can partake in this astral celebration from the comfort of their homes.

As we approach February 28, it’s time to mark your calendars for this rare planetary parade. Whether you grab your telescope, plan a trip to a dark-sky location, or tune in to a live stream, don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary alignment of the planets, a spectacle that will be remembered long after it fades from view. Prepare to look up and enjoy the wonders of our solar system!

Resources:

Who doesn’t love a parade, especially a planet parade? How and when to see up to 7 planets

Planetary Parade will soon be visible in the evening sky

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The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/