For skywatchers, scientists and even the astronauts on the Worldwide House Station (ISS), the skies have lately been very lively. The solar has launched its largest eruptions of 2025, sparking a sequence of auroras that, within the Northern Hemisphere, have reached as far south as Mexico.
Add to this two comets which have been seen within the night time sky, comet Swan and comet Lemmon. Whereas the astronauts on the ISS needed to take shelter throughout the current photo voltaic storms to keep away from probably harmful radiation, they did handle to capture this image of comet Lemmon showing close to the auroras on Earth.
What’s it?
Comet Lemmon, officially designated C/2012 F6 (Lemmon), is a long-period comet discovered in 2012 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona. It originates from the distant Oort Cloud, the icy reservoir of cometary bodies that surrounds our solar system.
As it approaches the sun during its 1,350-year orbit, comet Lemmon warms, releasing gas and dust that form its signature glowing tail.
Where is it?
This image was taken in low Earth orbit aboard the International Space Station, which circles our planet at an average altitude of about 250 miles (400 kilometers).
Why is it amazing?
Because of their long orbits, comets are a relatively rare sight in the night sky. And catching one juxtaposed against powerful auroras is rarer still.
This photo is a good reminder of how dynamic, multi-layered and interconnected our corner of the universe really is, and how once in a while, things line up just right to capture something truly extraordinary.
Want to learn more?
You can learn more about comet Lemmon and space weather.
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