A New Cosmic Visitor: Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) Lights Up the Sky

Get ready for a celestial spectacle! A brand new comet, designated C/2025 R2 (SWAN), has made its debut, offering a glimpse of wonders from the outer Solar System. Recently discovered on September 11th, this comet reached its perihelion – its closest point to the Sun – just a day later.

A Glimpse Against the Sun's Glare

First identified by Vladimir Bezugly in images from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)'s sun-staring SWAN instrument, the comet was surprisingly bright, though challenging to observe due to its proximity to the Sun. This stunning telescopic snapshot, captured on September 17th by Team Ciel Austral, showcases the comet's distinctive greenish coma and tail, visible even with the Sun's brilliance.

For context, the bright star Spica, the alpha star of the constellation Virgo, can be seen just beyond the upper left edge of the frame. At the time of this image, comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) was approximately 6.5 light-minutes away from Earth.

Where to See This Cosmic Gem

If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, keep an eye on the western horizon after sunset. Comet SWAN will be passing near Zubenelgenubi, the alpha star of Libra, on October 2nd. The comet is expected to make its closest approach to our planet around October 20th.

For a broader perspective of this incredible celestial event, check out this wider view of the photograph: .

It's truly an amazing and beautiful sight that reminds us of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our universe.