Rare comet unseen for 170,000 years now visible to naked eye

Monday 13 April 2026 - 08:44

By: Dakir Madiha

Rare comet unseen for 170,000 years now visible to naked eye

A long-period comet from the outer reaches of the solar system is now visible before dawn, offering a limited viewing window for observers in the Northern Hemisphere.

The comet, C/2025 R3 (Pan-STARRS), was spotted with the naked eye on April 11 at an estimated magnitude of 5.1. It was first discovered on September 8, 2025 by the Pan-STARRS survey telescope at Haleakalā in Hawaii and has brightened steadily as it moves toward the inner solar system.

Originating from the distant Oort Cloud, the comet follows an დაახლოებით 170,000-year orbit, making this appearance a rare event. It is currently moving through the constellation Pegasus and appears low on the eastern horizon roughly 90 minutes before sunrise.

Astronomers say binoculars still provide the best view, though the comet could become brighter in the coming days. Forecasts suggest it may reach magnitude +3 or even -0.5 as it approaches perihelion on April 19, when it will pass about 0.5 astronomical units from the Sun.

Nick James of the British Astronomical Association told Space.com that early morning observation is essential. He said clear eastern horizons and dark skies will offer the best chance to see the comet as it brightens over the next week.

Several key dates stand out for observers. On April 14, a thin waning crescent Moon will appear near Mercury. From April 17 to 19, skies will be darkest around the new Moon, coinciding with the comet’s peak brightness.

After perihelion, the comet will move closer to the Sun’s glare and become harder to detect from northern latitudes. It will make its closest approach to Earth on April 26 at about 0.49 astronomical units, but its proximity to the Sun will limit visibility.

Observers in the Southern Hemisphere are expected to have better viewing conditions in late April and May, when the comet reappears in the evening sky.

Astronomers note that C/2025 R3 (Pan-STARRS) follows a hyperbolic trajectory and is likely to be ejected from the solar system after this pass. This makes the current appearance not only rare but potentially the last time it will ever be seen.