This October, skywatchers near Mumbai are in for a rare celestial treat — not one, but two bright comets, Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) and Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6), lighting up the evening sky. Around October 21, both comets will reach their closest approach to Earth, coinciding perfectly with the Orionid Meteor Shower and a new moon night, ensuring dark, crystal-clear skies for observation.

If you love stargazing near Mumbai, this is your chance to witness an extraordinary event under the stars with Stargazing Mumbai — from dark-sky destinations like Mahuli and Bhandardara, just a few hours away.

What is Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2)?

Comet SWAN, discovered in September 2025, is a bluish-green comet that will glow low in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset. It travels through constellations Libra, Scorpius, and Ophiuchus, reaching peak brightness around October 21 — when it’s closest to the Sun.
From Mumbai, it will appear just above the western horizon after sunset. The best time to catch it is between 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM, before it sets.

What is Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6)?

Comet Lemmon, discovered earlier in January 2025 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona, has been steadily brightening as it moves toward Earth. By mid-October, it becomes visible in the northwestern sky, just below the Big Dipper (Saptarishi) constellation.
Around October 16, it passes close to the bright star Cor Caroli, serving as a good reference point for Mumbai observers. Lemmon will also reach its closest approach to Earth on October 21, the same night as SWAN — creating a twin comet spectacle.

Are Both Comets Visible to the Naked Eye?

Yes — both Comet SWAN and Comet Lemmon are expected to be visible without a telescope under dark skies.
However, for observers in and around Mumbai, binoculars or small telescopes are highly recommended to bring out their glowing tails and faint details. Urban light pollution may reduce visibility, so heading to darker skies like Bhandardara or Mahuli will make a world of difference.

Will Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) Be Visible from Mumbai?

Yes, Comet Lemmon will be visible from Mumbai’s northwestern horizon after sunset. The best viewing window is between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM, when the sky darkens and the comet climbs slightly higher.
Those traveling for stargazing at Mahuli or stargazing at Bhandardara will have an even clearer and darker view, away from the city’s light pollution.

Will Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) Be Visible from Mumbai?

Comet SWAN will be visible low in the southwestern sky, just after sunset. It may appear dimmer than Lemmon due to its position near the horizon, but from dark-sky spots near Mumbai, you’ll spot its faint greenish glow as it passes near the constellation Ophiuchus.
Peak visibility for Mumbai observers: October 20–23, between 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM.

How to Spot the Comets in Mumbai Sky

1. Find a dark location: Head out of Mumbai’s city lights — destinations like Mahuli, Bhandardara, or Asangaon offer ideal stargazing skies.
2. Look low in the sky:
   • SWAN – Southwest direction after sunset.
   • Lemmon – Northwest direction after sunset.
3. Use binoculars or a small telescope to enhance visibility.
4. Check weather apps for clear skies. Even light clouds can hide comets.
5. Be patient: Comets can appear faint initially and brighten as your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Best Tips for Observing the October Celestial Show

• Choose a dark-sky spot – Join Stargazing Mumbai’s events at Bhandardara or Mahuli for the best experience.
• Arrive early to let your eyes adapt to the darkness.
• Carry binoculars, camera, and tripod for long-exposure photos.
• Avoid phone lights and torches while observing.
• Stay for the Orionid Meteor Shower after midnight — with around 20 meteors per hour, you might catch a meteor streak beside a glowing comet!

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Skywatching Night

October 21–22, 2025, promises an unforgettable celestial display — Comet SWAN, Comet Lemmon, and the Orionid Meteor Shower all visible under a new moon.
For astronomy lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, this is the weekend to go stargazing near Mumbai.

Join Stargazing Mumbai for guided night sky experiences at Mahuli and Bhandardara, and witness this once-in-a-generation cosmic spectacle with expert astronomers and high-powered telescopes