Sunday, 3 May 2026, 8:10 pm
Press Release: RNZ
A comet never seen
before is lighting up the Southern Hemisphere.
The
Oort cloud comet – known as C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS – will be
visible in New Zealand skies for the next week.
Te
Whatu Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki told RNZ it can be
seen about an hour after sunset.
“Anywhere in the
country is going to get a good view,” he
said.
Good
weather was critical for viewing the comet, so checking the
forecast in advance is a good idea, he said.
It was
also important to find a viewing spot with an unobstructed
view of the western horizon, he added.
“So, for
example, on the West Coast is going to be a really good
place.
“That’ll give you … [the] best viewing
opportunity.”
It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
as the comet has an orbital period of about 170,000
years.
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