Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) can still be spotted from the Earth—viewing tips and its likely coordinates

As of October 28, 2025, the comet resides in the Aquarius constellation. Its present separation from Earth is more than 29.2 million miles.
People watch the night sky as Comet NEOWISE appears over the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on July 19, 2020 (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty | David McNew)
People watch the night sky as Comet NEOWISE appears over the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on July 19, 2020 (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty | David McNew)

While Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) made its closest pass to Earth on October 20, 2025, at a distance of approximately 39.1 million kilometers (0.26 AU), it remains a visible, albeit challenging, target for sky-gazers this week, as per Sky Live

Image of the newly identified interstellar Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) soars across the sky in the constellation Virgo. (Cover Image Source: APOD | Photo by Team Ciel Austral)
Image of the newly identified interstellar Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) soars across the sky in the constellation Virgo. (Cover Image Source: APOD | Photo by Team Ciel Austral)

As of today, October 28, 2025, the celestial body is located in the constellation Aquarius and has traveled to a distance of over 29.2 million miles from our planet. Its light, which takes nearly two minutes and 37 seconds to reach us, currently registers at a magnitude of 6.6. Apparent coordinates place the comet at Right Ascension 21h 13m 08s and Declination -04° 32’ 33”.  

Due to its decreasing brightness, the comet is not a naked-eye object and requires specialized equipment for observation. Given the current magnitude, observers should plan to use a pair of good 7 x 50 or 10 x 50 binoculars. A small telescope will provide the best view, though the comet will still appear as a subtle, faint glow. The visibility threshold for the unaided eye in even the darkest skies is typically magnitude 6.0, meaning the comet is already too faint to be seen without assistance. 

A couple stargazing together with an astronomical binocular (Representative Image Source: Getty | m-gucci)
A couple stargazing together with an astronomical binocular (Representative Image Source: Getty | m-gucci)

To locate the comet, look toward the constellation Aquarius. Observers should check local astronomical charts for the best viewing window, which is generally during the late evening or early night hours. Crucially, any observer must seek out a location far removed from all sources of light pollution. Furthermore, allow your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness, a critical step for detecting such faint objects. For those tracking Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) on October 29, 2025, the celestial visitor is projected to have a magnitude of 9.89. Its coordinates for the night will be Right Ascension 21h 21m 49s and Declination -03° 55’ 02”, continuing its path through the night sky.

On October 30 the comet is expected to cross the threshold into magnitude 10, with a predicted brightness of 10.03. Astronomers should plot its location using the coordinates Right Ascension 21h 33m 37s and Declination -03° 03’ 18” to find the increasingly faint target. As the calendar turns to October 31, 2025, Comet SWAN’s predicted magnitude will drop slightly further to 10.18. For precise tracking, its position is forecast to be Right Ascension 21h 44m 35s and Declination -02° 14’ 52”, as mentioned on Sky Live

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) + Spica taken on September 15, 2025 (Cover Image Source: SkyGems | Alan C Tough)
Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) + Spica taken on September 15, 2025 (Cover Image Source: SkyGems | Alan C Tough)

Moving into November 1, 2025, the comet’s observed brightness is anticipated to be approximately 10.32. Sky-gazers can look for the comet at Right Ascension 21h 54m 43s and Declination -01° 29’ 42”, highlighting the necessity of dark skies and powerful equipment. Finally, by November 2, 2025, the predicted magnitude for Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) will be around 10.46. Its expected coordinates for that date are Right Ascension 22h 04m 07s and Declination -00° 47’ 40”.

More on Starlust

Solar wind is causing 'major disturbance' to comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) gliding through space

Here's how to spot Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) in the night sky from now until October 20

MORE STORIES

Cloud cover and storms can play spoilsport. Here's what conditions to expect across the U.S.
1 day ago
"If rates during 2027 are enhanced to at least 100 per hour, then we can expect 200-300 per hour for 2028."
1 day ago
Earth's shadow will swallow 96% of the Moon this week and turn it a deep red. Here's what to expect.
2 days ago
A partial lunar eclipse this deep will not be seen in another two years.
2 days ago
The eclipse will begin when the Moon enters Earth’s outer shadow at 8:23 pm CDT and last for hours.
2 days ago
During the eclipse, the Moon will turn almost into a ‘blood Moon’ turning coppery red as it moves through Earth’s shadow. 
3 days ago
As much as 96 per cent of the Moon’s surface will be covered in Earth’s shadow and its rarity makes this event a must watch. 
3 days ago
The partial lunar eclipse this week will turn the moon nearly blood red. Here's when to look up.
3 days ago
Mars's moon passed in front of the sun and gave the Red Planet its own solar eclipse.
5 days ago
Fast streams of solar wind will be responsible for the August 19 storm, as opposed to a CME.
Aug 18, 2026