The comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS presents a rare opportunity for New Zealanders to witness a celestial event that occurs only once every 170,000 years. This long-period comet will grace the night sky starting on May 4, 2026.
Visible for approximately two weeks, C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS originates from the Oort Cloud and was discovered in 2025. Astronomers estimate it has been traveling inward toward the sun for about 160,000 years.
Josh Aoraki, an astrophotographer based in New Zealand, shared his excitement: “It’s not naked-eye brightness … [but] this one is a decently easy one to photograph, which is always nice.” The comet is not visible without binoculars, a telescope, or a camera.
Viewing Details:
- The best time to view the comet is shortly after sunset with a clear view of the western horizon.
- Observers can expect to see a blue-green orb and a smudgy tail as they capture images.
- The comet will gradually decrease in brightness as it moves farther from the sun.
Aoraki advises enthusiasts: “If you head out to the west coast around an hour after sunset, that would be the best opportunity to capture it.” Capturing this celestial phenomenon requires precision and timing—often involving stacking multiple exposures of up to 30 seconds each.
David Schleicher, another astronomer, explained the comet’s origins: “It was likely formed near Saturn or Uranus in the earliest days of our solar system and was tossed out into the Oort Cloud.” The trajectory of C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS remains difficult to predict as it loses mass while orbiting the sun.
Astronomy enthusiasts across New Zealand have already begun documenting this extraordinary event. With just two weeks until its disappearance for another 170,000 years, there’s no better time for night sky observation than now.
