On April 26, Comet PanSTARRS passes just 72 million km from Earth, reaching magnitude 3, with its best visibility in Brazil expected in early May.
Forward scattering could boost its brightness to magnitude minus 2, surpassing Sirius and possibly rivaling Venus, making it visible even in twilight for Southern Hemisphere observers.
Surviving its recent passage near the Sun, PanSTARRS is monitored by NASA’s SOHO spacecraft, with astronomers recommending clear western horizons for optimal viewing during the brief post-sunset window in May.
PanSTARRS was a no-show for many on April 26. When is the real viewing window for its spectacular display?
Comets are notoriously unpredictable. What are the chances PanSTARRS fizzles out before its anticipated May peak?
How does PanSTARRS' potential brightness compare to legendary comets of the past like Hale-Bopp and Ikeya-Seki?
Could a rare 'forward scattering' effect truly make Comet PanSTARRS outshine every star in the sky?
Will city dwellers in the Southern Hemisphere miss out on the decade's brightest comet due to light pollution?
What secrets about our solar system’s origin does this ancient Oort cloud visitor carry in its icy nucleus?