Comet SWAN: A Visitor From Outer Solar System

A spectacular astronomical event graced Oman’s skies as Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN, a rare celestial object from the outer solar system, was observed and photographed by the Oman Society of Astronomy and Space (OSAS). With an orbital period exceeding 20,000 years, the comet’s appearance marks a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for sky watchers and scientists alike.

Discovery and Background of Comet SWAN

Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN was first discovered on 11 September 2025 by Ukrainian amateur astronomer Vladimir Bezugly using images from the Solar Wind Anisotropies (SWAN) instrument aboard the SOHO observatory. The discovery was confirmed a day later by astronomer Martin Macek through observations with the FRAM telescope in Chile. The SWAN instrument, primarily designed to monitor solar wind, has been instrumental in identifying several comets in recent years.

Observation and Imaging in Oman

The Oman Society of Astronomy and Space successfully tracked and photographed Comet SWAN across the Sultanate’s night skies. Vice Chairman Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi described the observation as part of OSAS’s mission to monitor and document rare cosmic events. Al Jalandi bin Masaud Al Rawahi, another OSAS member, captured striking images of the comet from a dark-sky site in Muscat Governorate, contributing to a growing archive of Oman’s astronomical achievements.

Comet’s Path, Distance, and Visibility

Comet SWAN reached its closest approach to the Sun on 12 September 2025 at 0.5 astronomical units (AU) and passed nearest to Earth on 20 October 2025 at 0.261 AU, approximately 39 million kilometres away. During October, it shone with a magnitude between 6 and 7, visible with binoculars under clear skies. By November, the comet had moved into the constellation Aquarius, with its brightness gradually fading to magnitude 8.2–10.75, requiring a telescope for observation.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN has an orbital period exceeding 20,000 years.
• It was discovered via the SWAN instrument aboard NASA’s SOHO spacecraft in September 2025.
• The comet’s closest approach to Earth occurred on 20 October 2025 at 0.261 AU.
• The Oman Society of Astronomy and Space (OSAS) photographed it from Muscat’s dark-sky sites.

Scientific and Cultural Significance

The observation of Comet SWAN underscores Oman’s growing contribution to regional astronomy and public science engagement. For astronomers, such long-period comets offer crucial data about the solar system’s early composition. For the public, the rare sight serves as a vivid reminder of the vast cosmic cycles unfolding beyond human lifetimes, linking science, heritage, and wonder under Oman’s clear desert skies.