You’ll Be Able to See the Rare Lemmon and SWAN Comets Tonight in WA, ID, and UT

People are excited about these two comets that will be at peak brightness tonight. One of the comets could be visible without assistance, while the other could require a telescope or binoculars.

Weather and light pollution will also be factors in viewing, so check the forecast and head to a place with minimal light for the best chance at viewing the comets.

LOOK: Here's How to See the Comets SWAN and Lemmon Tonight

The two comets are Lemmon and SWAN. Lemmon will be the brighter of the two in the northwest/western sky. SWAN is smaller and less bright but can be seen in the southwest sky with binoculars or a telescope. People have also had success taking pictures in the direction of the comets, as the camera will pick up light that we don’t see with our eyes. This can help you get a better idea of where to look if you are having difficulty spotting one of the comets without assistance.

Both comets are at peak brightness right now, and there’s a chance to see shooting stars as the Orionid meteor shower is also reaching its peak.

These Two Rare Comets Will Be Visible Over Idaho, Utah, and Washington Tonight

Comet Lemmon will have a green hue as it passes within 56 million miles of Earth. Comet SWAN will come closer to our planet, around 24 million miles away. These comets are special because, according to Space.com, two visible comets at the same time is a rare occurrence.

The comets are best seen just after sunset (the New York Post says about an hour and a half after sunset), and the Orionids will be more common after midnight.