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Comet C/2025 R3 Poised for April Showing as 2026’s Potential Brightest

Astronomers will refine brightness forecasts in the coming weeks for this newly discovered long‑period object.

Overview

  • Perihelion is expected on April 20, followed by the closest approach to Earth on April 27 at roughly 44 million miles.
  • Potential naked-eye visibility is possible, though observers may still need binoculars or a small telescope.
  • Viewing guides point to the April 17 New Moon, just before dawn, looking toward Pisces from dark, unobstructed locations.
  • The comet was discovered in September 2025 by the Pan-STARRS survey and likely takes more than 1,000 years to orbit the Sun.
  • Visibility may diminish as it nears the Sun and could improve again in late April as observing geometry changes.