As 2025 moves into its final months, the night sky is about to put on a spectacular show. From dazzling meteor showers to rare comet appearances, stargazers and skywatchers will have plenty to enjoy. Whether you’re a casual observer or a serious astronomy fan, these upcoming events between late September and December 2025 are worth marking on your calendar.
Here are the top 6 astronomical events to watch out for:
1. Orionid Meteor Shower — October 21–22
The Orionids are one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year. They occur every October when Earth passes through debris left behind by the famous Halley’s Comet. At their peak, you can expect around 20–25 meteors per hour, and these meteors are fast, bright, and often leave glowing trails.
The best time to see them is after midnight until the early morning hours. Find a dark spot away from city lights, look toward the constellation Orion, and you’ll have a good chance of spotting these fiery streaks.
2. Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) — Around October 20
A new comet, named Comet SWAN, could become visible in the pre-dawn sky this October. While comets are unpredictable, astronomers believe it may brighten enough to be seen with the naked eye or through binoculars.
The comet should be at its closest to Earth around October 20, rising before sunrise with a faint, glowing tail. If it performs well, Comet SWAN could be a highlight of 2025 and a rare chance to witness a new celestial visitor.
3. Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) — November 8
Another exciting comet is on the way: Comet Lemmon, which reaches perihelion (its closest point to the Sun) on November 8. Predictions suggest it could reach magnitude 2–4, making it bright enough to see without a telescope under clear, dark skies.
With its greenish glow and long tail, Comet Lemmon might become one of the brightest comets of the decade. Keep an eye on astronomy news, because if it brightens more than expected, this could turn into a truly spectacular event.
4. Leonid Meteor Shower — November 17–18
The Leonids are famous for their history of producing “meteor storms,” with hundreds of meteors per hour in some years. While 2025 isn’t expected to bring a storm, you can still expect around 15–20 meteors per hour during the peak nights of November 17–18.
Leonids are known for their fast, sharp streaks across the sky. To see them, head out after midnight and face east, where the constellation Leo will rise. Even a normal Leonid display can be a beautiful and memorable sight.
5. Geminid Meteor Shower — December 13–14
The Geminids are often called the king of meteor showers, and for good reason. At their peak, they can produce up to 120 meteors per hour, making them the most active shower of the year.
What makes the Geminids even more special is their brightness and variety. Many meteors appear colorful, with shades of yellow, green, and red. This year, the peak falls on the night of December 13 into the early hours of December 14, with a dark winter sky providing excellent viewing conditions.
6. Ursid Meteor Shower & Winter Solstice December 21–22
Closing out the year, the Ursid Meteor Shower peaks around December 21–22, right at the time of the winter solstice. While the Ursids are smaller than the Geminids, producing around 10 meteors per hour, their timing makes them special.
With the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll have plenty of darkness to enjoy the show. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, near the Little Dipper.
The last months of 2025 are shaping up to be unforgettable for skywatchers. From two potentially bright comets to the stunning Geminid meteor shower, these events remind us just how magical the universe can be.
So, grab a blanket, head to a dark spot, and take some time to look up. Whether you catch a handful of meteors or witness a glowing comet, the night sky promises beauty and wonder for anyone willing to watch.