Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) presented a second tail during its approach to Sol. The phenomenon was captured in the last 24 hours before the object left the field of view of a space telescope. Cientistas Russians are monitoring the case and evaluating possible causes. The celestial body should get close enough to Terra for observation in the coming days.
Telescópio LASCO records formation of extra structure
Laboratório of Astronomia Solar of Instituto of Pesquisa Espacial of Academia of Ciências of Rússia released the images. The LASCO telescope recorded the appearance of the additional tail on the comet. The characteristics became evident on Sunday, April 26th. Normalmente, comets develop tails due to the action of the solar wind. Esta, however, appeared suddenly.
One of the main hypotheses points to the impact of plasma clouds released by Sol on April 23 and 24. The start of formation coincided with the estimated moment when the comet could have been hit by a solar shock. The sudden increase in the density and temperature of the surrounding gas would have triggered an ion tail. Normal solar wind would not be enough for this.
- The comet passed perihelion on April 19, about 0.499 AU from Sol.
- The second tail formed in the mid-afternoon of April 25, records show.
- Cientistas also consider other possibilities, such as coincidence or geyser activity in the core.
- The structure may be temporary and disappear in a short time.
Cometa follows hyperbolic trajectory of Nuvem and Oort
PANSTARRS is a hyperbolic comet originating from Nuvem of Oort. Sua last passed close to Sol occurred around 170 thousand years ago. Depois from this approach, it should leave Sistema Solar permanently. The orbit does not allow for predictable return.
Astrônomos have been monitoring the object since its discovery in September 2025 by the Pan-STARRS survey on Havaí. Naquela at the time, it was 3.60 AU from Sol and with an apparent magnitude of around 20. The brightness increased as it approached perihelion. Recent Imagens show greenish coma and elongated main tail.
Observação from Terra depends on extra tail permanence
Sunlight still prevents direct viewing of the comet these days. Ele should become visible from the southern hemisphere in the first few days of May, shortly after sunset, near the western horizon. Terra’s closest approach occurred on April 26, at approximately 72 million kilometers.
Especialistas indicate that binoculars help with observation. The comet can reach sufficient magnitude to be seen with the naked eye in dark sky conditions. The presence of the second tail until the moment of visibility would reinforce the plasma impact hypothesis. Caso On the contrary, the temporary structure gains more strength as an explanation.
Detalhes solar event and comet technicians
The Russian Laboratório highlighted that the phenomenon occurred after two plasma ejections from Sol. Interaction with the comet may have locally altered the gas environment. Caudas ions respond sensitively to variations in the solar wind. Disconexões and complex structures have already been observed in other comets.
PANSTARRS maintains activity typical of long-period comets. The release of gases and dust forms the coma and tails. The ion tail points in the opposite direction to Sol, while the dust tail follows the orbit. Imagens captured by other observatories show details in the main tail, with knots and curvatures.