There’s a new comet in the sky, and it’s already visible through binoculars
Astronomy is a field full of surprises, especially when it comes to comets. The recent discovery of Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN) has generated a lot of excitement among astronomers, both amateur and professional alike. This comet, previously known as SWAN25F, was co-discovered by Australian amateur astronomer Michael Mattiazzo using images from the SWAN camera on NASA and the European Space Agency’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft.
The comet can currently be seen in the early morning sky in the constellation Pegasus, low on the eastern horizon. As it continues its journey through our solar system, it will gradually rise higher in the morning sky over the next few weeks. The comet has been given an official designation by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center (MPC) and is expected to receive an official name soon.
According to Paul Wiegert, a professor at Western University’s department of physics and astronomy, Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN) likely originated from the Oort cloud, a distant region of our solar system where icy objects reside. The Oort cloud is incredibly far away from the sun, estimated to be between 2,000 to 5,000 astronomical units (AU) away.
To catch a glimpse of this ancient relic from the formation of our solar system, you’ll need to set your alarm and be prepared to wake up early. The comet is currently visible before sunrise and can be found in the constellation Pegasus. A pair of binoculars will enhance your viewing experience, as the comet is currently at magnitude 8, making it too faint to be seen with the naked eye.
Although it was initially believed that the comet had already reached its closest point to the sun in February, new information suggests that perihelion will occur on May 1. This means that the comet should continue to brighten in the sky. If all goes well and the comet remains intact, it may become visible to the naked eye by the end of the month.
While observing the comet through binoculars may not be as visually stunning as the images captured by telescopes, the experience of seeing this distant object in the sky is truly remarkable. Comets like C/2025 F2 (SWAN) provide valuable insights into the formation of our solar system and are a beautiful addition to our springtime skies. So, grab your binoculars, set your alarm, and keep an eye on the eastern horizon for a chance to witness this celestial phenomenon firsthand.
