When Can I See Nishimura Comet?
Comet Nishimura's dynamic evolution is on display. Specifically, the tails of C/2023 P1 (Nishimura) are expanding as it approaches the Sun. Discovered only a month ago, the comet has swiftly reached naked-eye visibility as it traverses inside Earth's orbit. Next week, the comet will come closest to Earth, followed by its closest approach to the Sun on September 17. There is speculation that the ejected ice and dust from Comet Nishimura's prior sojourn in the inner Solar System may have spawned the annual December peak of the Sigma Hydrids meteor shower. If this is the case, the meteor shower could experience heightened activity, rejuvenated by fresh comet debris. This image captures Comet Nishimura in its recent state, photographed from Edgewood, New Mexico, USA, just four nights ago. It showcases a lengthy ion tail sculpted by interactions with the solar wind. Keep an eye out for this comet near your eastern horizon shortly before sunrise over the next few mornings. In the following week, it will be positioned very close to your western horizon shortly after sunset, as both its coma and tails continue to intensify in brightness. Image credit and copyright: Peter Kennett
September 9, 2023 - Comet Nishimura is a newly discovered comet that is currently making its closest approach to Earth. It was discovered by Japanese amateur astronomer Hideo Nishimura on August 11, 2023. The comet is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on September 12, 2023, when it will pass within 78 million miles (125 million kilometers) of our planet. The comet will be visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere from early September to mid-September. It will be best seen in the predawn sky, low to the horizon. You can look for it near the constellation Cancer. The comet will appear as a faint smudge, but it may become brighter as it gets closer to Earth.
If you want to see Comet Nishimura, you will need to find a location with a clear view of the horizon. You should also avoid light pollution, so try to go to a dark sky location. You can use binoculars or a telescope to get a better view of the comet.
Here are some tips for seeing Comet Nishimura:
Go to a dark sky location.
Find a location with a clear view of the horizon.
Look for the comet in the predawn sky, low to the horizon.
Use binoculars or a telescope to get a better view.
Be patient. It may take some time to find the comet.
Comet Nishimura is a rare opportunity to see a comet with the naked eye. If you have the chance, I encourage you to go out and see it. It is a truly amazing sight.
Here are some additional information about Comet Nishimura:
The comet is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) in diameter.
It has a long, thin tail that can stretch for millions of miles.
The comet is made of ice and dust.
The comet is thought to be about 435 years old.
This is the first time that Comet Nishimura has come close to Earth since 1588.
The comet will not be visible again until 2458.