Watch comet PANSTARRS 'switch on' its second tail as it makes closest approach to Earth

A comet is pictured in a coronagraph with a large sweeping tail extendin to the upper right of the screen.

A sungazing spacecraft captured spectacular views of Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) as its ion tail appeared to "switch on" and swing away from the sun during a close approach to Earth on April 26.

Comet C/2025 R3 was discovered in September 2025 and quickly stirred up excitement among the comet-chasing community during its rush toward the sun, with some wondering if PanSTARRS could brighten enough to be the great comet of 2026.