ISS astronauts photograph two comets soaring over Earth’s auroras
In a remarkable celestial event, the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has recently captivated the attention of both amateur and professional astronomers, but it is not alone in this cosmic spectacle. In October, two additional comets, Lemmon and SWAN, made their fleeting appearances as they traversed the solar system, leaving behind trails of dust and gas. Coinciding with their passage was a spectacular display of vibrant auroras, triggered by one of the year’s most significant solar eruptions. The International Space Station (ISS) provided an unparalleled vantage point for astronauts, who captured stunning images of these comets against the backdrop of the glowing auroras, showcasing the beauty of our universe.
Comet Lemmon was first confirmed by the Mount Lemmon Survey in January, while its companion, SWAN, was discovered by Vladimir Bezugly just last month. Lemmon is believed to have originated from the Oort Cloud, a distant region filled with icy bodies that encircles the sun at a distance of 0.03 to 3.2 light-years. In contrast, SWAN is thought to come from an even more remote source, making its journey through the solar system even more extraordinary. Unfortunately, both comets are not expected to return to Earth’s vicinity for thousands of years—Lemmon will not be back until around 3175, while SWAN’s next approach is anticipated in an astonishing 22,554 years.
These recent discoveries not only highlight the dynamic nature of our solar system but also remind us of the vast timescales involved in celestial mechanics. The breathtaking images taken from the ISS serve as a poignant reminder of the beauty and mystery of space, inspiring future generations of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. As we await the return of Lemmon and SWAN, the excitement surrounding their brief appearances continues to fuel our curiosity about the cosmos and the myriad wonders it holds.
The
interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
has captured the imaginations of both amateur and professional skygazers, but it’s not the only icy space rock to recently speed past Earth. In October, a pair of comets known as
Lemmon and SWAN
also left trails of dust and gas as they continued along their vast orbits through the solar system. As luck had it, their timing perfectly aligned with a wave of
vibrant auroras
generated by one of this year’s largest solar eruptions. And judging from
NASA’s recently released photos
, few people had a better vantage point than the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Lemmon likely originated in the Oort Cloud, but SWAN is traveling from somewhere much more distant. Credit: NASA
Both comets are comparatively recent discoveries. Lemmon was first confirmed by the Mount Lemmon Survey in January, while SWAN was only spotted by Vladimir Bezugly in September. Based on current data, Lemmon is one of the many icy rocks to originate in the Oort Cloud that surrounds the sun at a distance of 0.03 to 3.2 light-years away. SWAN likely came from somewhere even more distant.
Lemmon and SWAN won’t pass Earth again for thousands of years. Credit: NASA
However, as stunning as the ISS images are, they’re also some of the last anyone will see for quite some time. Lemmon isn’t expected to return until around the year 3175, while SWAN isn’t due back for another 22,554 years.
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ISS astronauts photograph two comets soaring over Earth’s auroras
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