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This comet could offer a unique spectacle in 2026

A photo showing a comet in the night sky. (Image source: mTPhotography - Pixabay)
A photo showing a comet in the night sky. (Image source: mTPhotography - Pixabay)
A comet could be visible in the sky in 2026, offering a unique spectacle for many people. But its behavior is unpredictable, and many events could occur, reducing the chances of seeing it in the night sky.

In 2026, several cosmic events will be visible in the sky, offering a unique spectacle for those who can see them. And this will potentially be the case for a comet discovered only a few months ago. 

Indeed, C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) is a comet that was discovered on September 8, 2025, with the help of the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System. Probably originating from the Oort cloud, this celestial object is currently located about 348 million kilometers from Earth.

According to astronomers, it is a long-period comet that takes more than 1,000 years to orbit the Sun. And that's not all, because it will be closest to our star on April 20, at a distance of approximately 76.3 million kilometers. It will then pass about 70.8 million kilometers from Earth on April 27, 2026. However, it could be hidden by the Sun, and it will therefore be necessary to look towards the sky on April 17 to see it.

An image showing the comet's trajectory in 2026. (Image source:  JPL Small-Body Database Lookup)
An image showing the comet's trajectory in 2026. (Image source: JPL Small-Body Database Lookup)

Thus, its passage could offer a unique spectacle for many people. However, it is necessary to remain vigilant, as comets can behave unpredictably. Indeed, when they pass close to the Sun, they can disintegrate under the effect of heat.

In addition, astronomers still have doubts about its magnitude. It must be said that some estimate that it will be 8, making it invisible to the naked eye, while others believe it will be 2.5, making it easily visible. Finally, it should not be forgotten that this comet can encounter other celestial objects on its path, which could have significant consequences.

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Alexis Stegmann, 2026-01-14 (Update: 2026-01-14)