The comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS is a once-in-170,000-years event that has captivated skywatchers in New Zealand. This rare celestial event is currently observable and presents an exciting opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts.
The comet originates from the Oort Cloud and is expected to remain visible for about a week before fading from view. It is not visible to the naked eye but can be observed using basic equipment such as telescopes or binoculars.
Key facts about the comet:
- The comet appears only once in roughly 170,000 years.
- Stargazers can capture images of the comet’s coma and tail using telescopes or cameras.
- The best viewing time is shortly after sunset with a clear view of the western horizon.
Amateur photographer Brian Diettrich captured stunning images of the comet over Wellington skies. He described the experience as exciting. Josh Aoraki, an astronomy expert, noted, “We basically haven’t seen anything like it before.” He advised that heading out to the west coast around an hour after sunset would be the best opportunity to capture it.
