Two Comets and a Planet in One Frame
Astrophotography doesn’t give up nights like this very often. On September 19th, while chasing Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN), I stumbled into something far rarer: a second comet in the same frame — and Mars as a bonus.
The image below shows it clearly:
On the right, Comet SWAN glowing teal, sporting a faint but elegant tail.
To the left, Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), smaller and dimmer, but still holding its own.
And anchoring the scene in the upper corner, Mars, shining unmistakably red-orange.
Capturing just one comet is always a thrill, but framing two comets along with a planet is the kind of thing you don’t plan, you just get lucky. I went into the session focused on testing gear my FRA600 with reducer. I expected SWAN to be the main subject. Instead, I ended up with a rare double-comet portrait.
Why This Matters
Comets are transient visitors. Each one follows its own unique path, and their visibility is often short-lived. The chance alignment of two separate comets plus Mars in the same patch of sky is an astronomical coincidence that might not happen again in my lifetime.
The Gear & Data
Camera: ZWO 2600 Color
Scope: FRA600 w/ reducer
Exposure: 10x60 second exposures
Location: U.S. 27, near the Broward / Palm Beach county line, South Florida
Date: September 19–20, 2025
Final Thoughts
This is exactly why I drag my gear out, fight with focus, guiding, and Florida humidity — because sometimes the sky surprises you. Last night it gave me two comets and a planet, all neatly framed together.
Clear skies,
Charles
I’ve been a dedicated to Squarespace fan for 20 years. Love the product, people and company.
