Image: Facebook/ Perth Observatory
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Staff Writer
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May 7, 2026
WA will be seeing an ancient comet for the first time in hundreds of thousands of years. This is the first comet sighting in Perth and Western Australia in 2026. The rare celestial body, officially designated C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS), was first spotted in Hawaii in September 2025. Named for the year and the survey telescope that discovered it, its trajectory is now moving towards Australia after traversing the Northern Hemisphere last year.
Incredibly rare, C/2025 R3 is a long-period comet that originated in the Oort Cloud just outside our solar system, according to researchers at Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii.
Astronomers suggest that it has a 170,000-year orbit, which makes it a rare phenomenon. Seeing the celestial event across Perth’s sky could be a once-in-a-lifetime event; it is projected to be slung out of the solar system in the future. In fact, WA is in one of the best positions to see C/2025 R3. Perth Observatory reported that people could see it before sunrise with binoculars or even with the naked eye in dark rural areas in early April 2026.
How to see the C/2025 R3 comet in WA and Perth in 2026
For the next week, it will be visible in the evening skies of Western Australia. But there are some things to keep in mind for a chance to observe the comet C/2025 R3 in Perth. The best time to see the blue-green comet is just after sunset, around 6.30 pm. Head to an area that would guarantee a clear view— think an open field, coastline, or even a beach.
Once you’re there, ensure you have a pair of binoculars, a small telescope, or a good camera with a telephoto lens (long focus). If you’re planning to bring family or friends, we suggest multiple instruments, so everyone gets a chance to see C/2025 R3. Set your instrument to low on the Western horizon. For more information about this rare comet, check out the Perth Observatory, The Sky Live, or NASA’s Small-Body Database websites.