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Comet P1 Nishimura

All articles tagged with #comet p1 nishimura

astronomy2 years ago

Rare Green Comet Nishimura Bids Farewell, Won't Return for 400 Years

Comet P1 Nishimura's visibility in the northern hemisphere has come to an end, and now it's the turn of southern hemisphere sky watchers to observe the comet before it fades from view. Although it didn't reach the predicted brightness to be seen with the naked eye, it was still observed and photographed by a small number of people. The comet is now visible in satellite images and shows no signs of disintegrating. Southern hemisphere observers will have the opportunity to see the comet low in their evening sky as it tracks past Mars, gradually growing fainter until it disappears for over 400 years. Despite the end of the Comet Nishimura show for northern observers, there are always other comets to see on clear nights, with dozens available for observation, although most require a telescope.

astronomy2 years ago

Upcoming Comets: Bright Sightings and Exciting Events Await

Comet P1 Nishimura, discovered by Hideo Nishimura in Japan, is expected to reach naked eye visibility over the next few weeks. Currently at +9th magnitude, the comet is well-placed in the predawn sky and is projected to brighten to +3 or +2 magnitude in early September. It will pass 0.85 Astronomical Units from Earth on September 13th and reach perihelion on September 18th. The comet's orbit is inclined 129° relative to the ecliptic plane, and it is moving in a retrograde path. Observers are advised to use binoculars or telescopes to spot the comet, which will become increasingly difficult to observe as it plunges towards the eastern horizon in early September.