Comet Nishimura approaches Earth:how to observe it

The comet will reach perigee on September 13, and may be visible to the naked eye

ROME – It could be comet Nishimura visible to the naked eye, the celestial body that is keeping astronomy enthusiasts, and not only, in suspense.Discovered last August 12 by Japanese amateur astronomer Hideo Nishimura, the comet is approaching the Sun, and could soon provide an unmissable show.

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COMET NISHIMURA

Comet Nishimura (C/2023 P1) will reach perigee (the point of its orbit closest to Earth) next September 13th.This week it will be possible to try to spot it in the sky with the help of good binoculars or a small telescope, at dawn, near the constellation Leo. During its orbit it may become visible to the naked eye, but its observation will not be easy due to its low position on the horizon.After September 13, the comet will continue its journey towards the Sun (perihelion is expected on September 17) and rwill add his peak brightness.That will be the best time to try to observe it to the naked eye. It will be possible to try to locate it just before sunset, looking towards the constellation of Virgo.

Once perihelion is reached, however, It is impossible to determine the fate of Comet Nishimura.Many comets, in fact, are destroyed (literally) by their close passage with the Sun.The comet will get so close to our star, passing inside Mercury's orbit, that its core could break.