TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A rare celestial visitor from the farthest reaches of the solar system is now sweeping across southern skies, drawing the attention of astronomers and night-sky enthusiasts alike with a once-in-a-lifetime appearance.
Formed on the distant fringes of space, the comet, formally known as C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS, is offering a fleeting opportunity for observation before vanishing for an estimated 170,000 years. Originating from the vast and icy Oort Cloud, the comet has now become visible over New Zealand, where clear evening skies have revealed its faint yet distinct luminous trail.
According to astronomers cited by RNZ and The Guardian, this newly observed comet represents a rare astronomical event, one that has not been documented in human history until now.
Despite its cosmic scale, the comet does not blaze brightly enough to be seen with the naked eye. Josh Aoraki of Stardome Observatory & Planetarium in Auckland explained that while the object is considered relatively bright compared to other comets, viewers will still need binoculars, a telescope, or a capable camera to properly observe it.
He noted, however, that its visibility makes it a particularly rewarding target for astrophotographers. “It’s not naked-eye brightness … [but] this one is a decently easy one to photograph,” he said, pointing to its appeal for those hoping to capture a rare moment in the night sky.
Time, however, is limited. Astronomers warn that the comet’s brightness will steadily diminish over the next two weeks, urging observers across Australia, South Africa, and parts of the Pacific to act quickly. The optimal viewing window comes shortly after sunset, when the comet hovers low along the western horizon for about an hour before fading from sight.
Aoraki emphasized that location plays a crucial role in successful viewing. Areas with an unobstructed view of the western skyline, particularly west-facing coastlines and open beaches, provide the best vantage points. Any hills, buildings, or natural barriers, he warned, could significantly hinder visibility.
As the comet continues its quiet journey back into deep space, observers are left with a narrow window to witness a phenomenon that will not return for millennia.
Read: Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Set to Light Up Sydney Skies This May
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks April 22, Visible Across Night Sky
12 hari lalu
The Lyrid meteor shower phenomenon is set to reach its peak on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with relatively dark skies, free from the moonlight.
Comet 3I/ATLAS Discovered Ejecting Tons of Water per Second
14 hari lalu
ESA's Juice mission has discovered that the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is spewing two tons of water vapor into space every second.
Lyrid Meteor Shower Coming to Australia Next Week: When and How to See It
19 hari lalu
Set your sights on the sky for a dazzling display as the Lyrid meteor shower illuminates Australian skies on the night of April 22-23.
Fact Check: The Truth Behind Meteor in East Lampung
24 hari lalu
Videos of a supposed meteor over East Lampung went viral. A Tempo fact check confirms the object was actually debris from a Chinese CZ-3B rocket.
Two Comets May Be Visible in Indonesia This April
28 hari lalu
The two comets are C/2026 A1 (MAPS) and C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS), both of which are expected to be visible at different times in April 2026.
New Bright Comet Expected to Adorn the Skies in April
11 Februari 2026
A new comet, catalogued as C/2026 A1, is expected to reach perihelion at the beginning of April 4.
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Glows Green as It Approaches Earth
17 Desember 2025
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS appears to be getting brighter and emitting a greenish glow as it moves closer to Earth.
Comet Lemmon's Path Can Be Observed from Indonesia
26 Oktober 2025
The comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) is approaching its closest point to the sun. The process of the celestial object's journey can be observed from Indonesia.
Getting to Know the Perseid Meteor Shower Phenomenon in August 2025
5 Agustus 2025
An astronomical event is predicted for August 2025 when the Perseid meteor shower and the conjunction of Jupiter with Venus can be observed directly with the naked eye or through a telescope.
