Northern Illinois Skies: 2 Comets and a Meteor Shower Soon

If the skies over Northern Illinois follow along with what meteorologists are predicting, we should have some very clear skies when we get the chance to check out not one, but two comets and a spectacular meteor shower within the next couple of weeks.

Northern Illinois residents are in for a pretty rare cosmic spectacle. Two newly discovered comets (C/2025 A6 Lemmon and C/2025 R2 SWAN) will make their closest approaches to Earth, coinciding with the peak of the Orionid meteor shower. This alignment offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness multiple celestial events in one night.

Patch.com:

The dates to mark on the calendar are October 20-21. Plan by scouting out a dark sky away from city lights that offers unobstructed views. A new moon will make for ideal viewing conditions, assuming the weather cooperates.

Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon Will Be A Green Streak Across Northern Illinois Skies

Although it was just discovered in January of this year, Comet Lemmon is rapidly brightening and is expected to become visible to the naked eye around Halloween, peaking in early November.  As it approaches Earth, Lemmon's tail has been evolving, with recent images showing a chunk torn away by solar wind, which helps create an even more stunning display of color.

The other comet, Comet SWAN, discovered just over one month ago in September, will reach its closest point to Earth on October 20, passing within approximately 24 million miles. Your best viewing time would be just after sunset, when it will appear low in the southwestern sky. With binoculars, observers can catch a glimpse of its faint green glow.

At The Same Time These Two Comets Are Cruising Through Our Celestial Neighborhood, We Also Get To See The Orionid Meteor Shower

Peaking on the night of October 20th–21st, the Orionid meteor shower offers 10 to 20 meteors per hour, with exceptional years seeing up to 50, or even 75.

The Orionids originated from debris left by Halley's Comet, and the meteors radiate from the constellation Orion, near the star Betelgeuse. The shower started on September 26th, and will continue through November 22nd, but the peak this coming Monday provides the most meteors per hour.

Here's When To Start Looking Up

The new moon on October 21st ensures dark skies, which should be ideal for stargazing. Here in Northern Illinois, clear skies are expected on October 20th and 21st, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 63°F.

For the best viewing experience, head to areas away from city lights, such as local parks or rural locations. Using stargazing apps like Stellarium can help locate the comets and the Orionid radiant point.

Here are some great visuals, along with super-dramatic music: