{"id":409649,"date":"2026-05-03T10:14:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T10:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/409649\/"},"modified":"2026-05-03T10:14:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T10:14:12","slug":"comet-visible-in-nz-skies-for-the-next-week-then-gone-for-170000-years-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/409649\/","title":{"rendered":"Comet Visible In NZ Skies For The Next Week, Then Gone For 170,000 Years"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Radio<\/a>
\nSunday, 3 May 2026, 8:10 pm
Press Release: RNZ<\/a><\/p>\n

RNZ
\nDigital Reporters<\/a><\/p>\n

A comet never seen
\nbefore is lighting up the Southern Hemisphere.<\/p>\n

The
\nOort cloud comet – known as C\/2025 R3 PanSTARRS – will be
\nvisible in New Zealand skies for the next week.<\/p>\n

Te
\nWhatu Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki told RNZ it can be
\nseen about an hour after sunset.<\/p>\n

“Anywhere in the
\ncountry is going to get a good view,” he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n

Good
\nweather was critical for viewing the comet, so checking the
\nforecast in advance is a good idea, he said.<\/p>\n

It was
\nalso important to find a viewing spot with an unobstructed
\nview of the western horizon, he added.<\/p>\n

“So, for
\nexample, on the West Coast is going to be a really good
\nplace.<\/p>\n

“That’ll give you … [the] best viewing
\nopportunity.”<\/p>\n

It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
\nas the comet has an orbital period of about 170,000
\nyears.<\/p>\n

Advertisement – scroll to continue reading<\/p>\n

\n\u00a9 Scoop Media<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Radio<\/a><\/p>\n

New Zealand’s public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.<\/p>\n

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.<\/p>\n

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