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"Known officially as Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS), this long-period comet was spotted in September and is currently racing through the inner solar system toward a close encounter with the sun. For travelers, the most promising viewing window runs from mid-April through early May, with an added advantage on the nights around the April 17 new moon when the skies will be at their darkest."
"How bright Comet R3 ultimately becomes is still an open question. As comets warm near the sun, some brighten dramatically, releasing gas and dust that form the glowing tails associated with "great comets." Others, however, remain faint or even fragment or disintegrate entirely. Early projections for Comet R3 span a wide range. It may brighten to roughly magnitude 8, according to Space.com, which would require binoculars or a small telescope to see."
"Or it could potentially reach a magnitude of 2.5, which would be bright enough to spot with the naked eye from truly dark locations. For the best odds, aim for a dark horizon away from city lights and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust. If Comet R3 brightens enough, you may see it as a fuzzy blotch with a bit of tail, but as always, having a pair of binoculars handy will dramatically improve its detail."
Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) is a long-period comet discovered in September that is moving inward for a close solar encounter. The most promising viewing window runs from mid-April through early May, with especially dark skies around the April 17 new moon. Brightness remains uncertain: comets can brighten dramatically or remain faint, fragment, or disintegrate. Early projections range from about magnitude 8, needing binoculars or a small telescope, to magnitude 2.5, visible to the naked eye from dark locations. Observing tips include a dark horizon, 20 minutes of eye adjustment, binoculars, and using stargazing apps or live trackers. Late April should favor Northern Hemisphere pre-dawn viewing, shifting to Southern Hemisphere after sunset into early May.
Read at Travel + Leisure
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