Comet Pan-STARRS Shines Bright at Dawn

The comet makes a brief but dazzling appearance before sunrise in the northern sky.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A bold, abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, depicting the sweeping, spiraling path of Comet Pan-STARRS as it approaches the sun, represented through intersecting geometric arcs and concentric circles in earthy tones of ochre, sienna, and indigo against a pale blue background, conveying the structural order and beauty of the comet's celestial journey.Comet Pan-STARRS' dramatic orbital dance as it swings around the sun provides a rare glimpse into the early formation of our solar system.Duluth Today

Comet Pan-STARRS (C/2025 R3), the brightest comet currently visible, has been putting on a show in the early morning sky over the past few weeks. The comet, which originated from the distant Oort Cloud, reached its closest approach to the Sun on April 19 and is now visible low on the eastern horizon just before dawn.

Why it matters

Comets are remnants from the formation of our solar system over 4.6 billion years ago, providing valuable insights into the early history of the planets. As one of the few comets visible to the naked eye in recent years, Pan-STARRS offers a rare opportunity for skywatchers to observe these icy celestial visitors up close.

The details

To catch a glimpse of Comet Pan-STARRS, observers need to find a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon and be out well before sunrise, as the comet only reaches an altitude of 10-12 degrees before the sky starts to brighten. The comet's fuzzy appearance and faint tail are visible through binoculars, while a telescope reveals the comet's stunning aqua-colored coma and bright central core.

  • Comet Pan-STARRS was first spotted in September 2025.
  • The comet reached perihelion, its closest approach to the Sun, on April 19, 2026.
  • The comet will be visible in the northern hemisphere for about a week before and after its perihelion.

The players

Comet Pan-STARRS

A comet discovered by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, originating from the distant Oort Cloud on the edge of the solar system. It is currently the brightest comet visible from Earth.

Pan-STARRS

The Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, an automated observatory operated by the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy that has discovered numerous comets, including Comet Pan-STARRS.

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What they’re saying

“Getting up that early is a bit of a commitment. I always tell myself that I'll be happier for the effort, and that's often been the case.”

— Astro Bob, Columnist

“In 10x50 binoculars the comet's head resembled one of the brighter stars in the circle of view. But I quickly noticed it had that telltale fuzzy appearance peculiar to comets.”

— Astro Bob, Columnist

What’s next

After its perihelion on April 19, Comet Pan-STARRS will only be visible from the southern hemisphere, making this a fleeting opportunity for northern skywatchers to catch a glimpse of the celestial visitor.

The takeaway

Comets like Pan-STARRS offer a rare chance to observe the building blocks of our solar system up close. Despite their relatively brief appearances, these icy wanderers continue to captivate and inspire astronomers and the public alike.