Once-in-a-lifetime event: Comet Nishimura to grace our skies after 500-year wait — When and how to watch

In an astronomical event heralded as "once-in-a-lifetime," Comet Nishimura, scientifically designated as C/2023 P1, is set to grace Earth's skies in just one week. This celestial visitor, taking approximately 500 years to complete a single orbit around the solar system, last passed by our planet's vicinity in the year 1588, making its imminent return a truly extraordinary occurrence.

The Cosmic Speedster: Comet Nishimura's Journey

Comet Nishimura is currently hurtling through space at an astonishing speed of 240,000 miles per hour. On Tuesday, September 12, it will achieve its closest approach to Earth before embarking on another multi-century journey through the cosmos.
This comet's classification as a "long-period comet" is attributed to its extensive orbital cycle, with no solar encounter since the days when the Spanish Armada embarked on its fateful voyage to challenge England, and when the literary luminary William Shakespeare resided in the bustling heart of London.

Seeking Comet Nishimura in the Night Sky

While locating Comet Nishimura with the naked eye may be a challenging feat, it is not impossible, as confirmed by Professor Brad Gibson, the esteemed director of the E A Milne Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Hull.

However, this cosmic spectacle becomes far more accessible when viewed through a telescope or binoculars.

Professor Gibson provides guidance on how to spot Comet Nishimura. He suggests gazing toward the east-north-east during the hour after sunset and the hour before dawn, focusing on the crescent moon and Venus for reference.

Elaborating on the comet's rarity, Prof. Gibson notes, "The comet takes 500 years to orbit the solar system, Earth takes one year, and the outer planets can take many decades. Halley’s Comet, which caused much interest during its last nearby visit to Earth in 1986, takes 76 years to orbit the solar system. So, to say this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Nishimura isn’t an exaggeration."

An Unprecedented Celestial Viewing Opportunity

Professor Gibson emphasizes that while Comet Nishimura is currently observable, the best chance for a naked-eye sighting will occur on September 12 when it approaches to within 78 million miles of Earth. On average, individuals have the opportunity to witness a naked-eye comet approximately once every ten years, making this a rare and captivating event.

The Comet's Closest Encounter with the Sun

Comet C/2023 P1 is set to pass closest to the sun on September 17, reaching a distance of 27 million miles from our star. However, there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding the comet's survival during this intimate rendezvous, a matter that Professor Gibson acknowledges.

A Celestial Nod to Hideo Nishimura

The nomenclature "Comet C/2023 Pl" pays homage to Hideo Nishimura, a Japanese astrophotographer who fortuitously captured the celestial wanderer while taking a long-exposure photograph of the night sky on August 11.

FAQs

When can I see Comet Nishimura?
Comet P1 Nishimura is scheduled to approach its nearest point to Earth on September 12, 2023, and its closest point to the Sun on September 17, 2023. During this period, it will gradually ascend into the evening sky.

Where will Comet Nishimura be visible?
Those who wake up early may have a final chance this week to catch a glimpse of the recently discovered comet C/2023 P1 (Nishimura). Currently positioned in the Leo constellation, it can be seen in the east-northeastern sky approximately 90 minutes before sunrise.