A Newly Discovered Comet is Dazzling Skygazers—Here's How to See It While You Can
The comet, which was designated as C/2025 F2 (SWAN), was detected by SWAN, an instrument on the SOHO spacecraft.
C/2025 F2 (SWAN) will be visible from the Northern Hemisphere throughout April and is expected to reach perihelion on May 1.Skygazers are in for an exciting surprise throughout April—a new glowing green comet was recently discovered and is currently visible with a small telescope or binoculars.
The comet was detected by SWAN, an instrument on the European Space Agency's SOHO spacecraft, which was designed to study the sun. On April 8, the comet was designated as C/2025 F2 (SWAN) by the Minor Planet Center. It's also referred to by the nickname SWAN25F.
C/2025 F2 (SWAN) was discovered by Vladimir Bezugly from Ukraine and Michael Mattiazzo from Australia. Per EarthSky, both amateur astronomers detected the comet on March 29 by examining images taken by the SOHO spacecraft. Mattiazzo posted a photo of the glowing green comet to X.
The comet is currently visible with binoculars or a small telescope. To see it, look toward the northeastern horizon just before sunrise. In late April, the comet may be visible during evening hours as it approaches perihelion—its nearest point to the sun—which it is expected to reach on May 1. According to The Planetary Society, there will be a new moon on April 27, which may make seeing the comet easier.
SWAN25F has gotten notably brighter since it was initially discovered. If it continues to brighten, it may be visible to the naked eye. However, The Planetary Society notes that it is difficult to predict what comets will look like in advance.
By early May, the comet will no longer be visible from most of the Northern Hemisphere, so be sure to catch a glimpse of this rare phenomenon while you can. That said, those in the Southern Hemisphere will be able to see the comet in May just after sunset above the horizon.
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