Wisconsin sky watchers have a final chance to see two comets, along with a meteor shower, this week.
Comets Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and SWAN (C/2025 R2) are both currently visible, while the Orionid meteor shower is in the midst of its peak activity period. Comet Lemmon is not expected to return to Earth for another 1,300 years, according to the Royal Astronomical Society.
Here’s what to know about viewing Comet Lemmon and Comet SWAN, as well as the Orionid meteor shower, in Wisconsin:
Are Comet Lemmon and Comet SWAN still visible in Wisconsin?
Comets Lemmon and SWAN both became visible starting Oct. 20, making their closest approach to Earth on the evening of Oct. 21.
However, Comet Lemmon will not reach peak brightness until sometime between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, according to astronomy website EarthSky. During this period, if you find a spot where the sky is dark enough, you may be able to see Lemmon with the naked eye. The comet is predicted to reach its closest point to the sun on Nov. 8.
Comet SWAN, meanwhile, is growing fainter and will require binoculars or a telescope to view. Though the comet will also remain visible until early November, the weekend of Oct. 24 to 26 may be the last peak viewing period for it, according to Forbes.
Where to look for Comet Lemmon in the night sky
Here’s where to look for Comet Lemmon on upcoming dates, according to EarthSky:
Can you still see the Orionid meteor shower from Wisconsin?
The Orionid meteor shower is also currently active and peaking this week.
Known for its brightness and speed, the shower is active from Oct. 2 to Nov. 12 this year, according to NASA. While some sources say the shower peaked on Oct. 21, NASA estimates the peak will be between Oct. 22 and Oct. 23.
Find more information here about how to view the Orionid meteor shower in Wisconsin.
Best places to view celestial events in Wisconsin
The best conditions to see the night sky will be with clear skies without clouds or haze. Make sure to check the forecast before heading out.
Here’s a list of places in Wisconsin that could offer some of the best views of the night sky:
Cailey Gleeson contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Comet Lemmon may be visible with the naked eye from Wisconsin. Here’s how to see it
Reporting by Maia Pandey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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