THE night sky from 20 to 21 October 2025 is predicted to present the most amazing views this year. In the span of two nights, three rare astronomical events will occur simultaneously.
The peak of the Orionid meteor shower, the appearance of two new comets which are reaching their highest brightness. And the new moon phase which makes the sky perfectly dark.
Peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower
According to the American Meteor Society, the Orionid meteor shower lasts from October 2 to November 7. The peak of activity is on the night of October 20–21. This phenomenon occurs every year when the Earth passes through the trail of dust particles left by Halley’s Comet.
At its peak, around 20 meteors per hour are expected to appear streaking across the sky. Penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of about 66 kilometers per second.
Meteor light can appear from various directions. But if you look closely, they all appear to come from the constellation Orion. Or more precisely around the bright red star Betelgeuse, this is where the name “Orionid” comes from. NASA calls the Orionids one of the most beautiful meteor showers of the year. Because of its fast flash and long-lasting light trail.
Two New Comets Accompany the Orionids
Two new comets, Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and SWAN (C/2025 R2), will be visible in the night sky at almost the same time. Both reach their highest point of light just when the sky is at its darkest due to the new moon phase. So observations will be clearer without the interference of moonlight.
Comet Lemmon was discovered in January 2025 by the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter in Arizona. This comet will appear low in the northwestern sky, between the tip of the Big Dipper constellation and the bright star Arcturus.
Meanwhile, Comet SWAN was first detected in September via NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory telescope. It appears low in the southern sky, under the star Altair, one of the three stars that make up the Summer Triangle pattern.
Best Time to Watch
The best time to see the two comets is about an hour and a half after sunset on Monday (20/10) evening. Meanwhile, the Orionid meteor shower will be very clear after midnight until dawn the next day.
The combination of the darkness of the new moon sky, the glow of the Orionid meteors, and two shining comets makes an October night a rare moment. For sky watchers and astronomy lovers, this is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of the universe in one night. (Live Science/Z-2)
