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Two Comets Set for Spectacular April 2026 Show

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In April 2026, two comets—C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) and C/2026 A1—will produce notable celestial events.
C/2025 R3 should be best viewed on April 17 during a New Moon and will reach its closest approach to Earth on April 27 at about 44 million miles.
C/2026 A1, a sungrazer, will pass near the Sun and may be daylight-visible if it survives.

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Story summary

In April 2026, two comets—C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) and C/2026 A1—will produce notable celestial events.
C/2025 R3 should be best viewed on April 17 during a New Moon and will reach its closest approach to Earth on April 27 at about 44 million miles.
C/2026 A1, a sungrazer, will pass near the Sun and may be daylight-visible if it survives.