Comet Nishimura, a newly discovered green comet, is visibly passing by Earth this week before disappearing from sight for approximately the next 400 years.

Discovery Background: Amateur Japanese astronomer Hideo Nishimura, after whom the comet is named, discovered Comet Nishimura on August 11 by taking long exposure shots with a Canon digital camera and a telephoto lens.
* This kind of discovery by amateur astronomers is increasingly rare due to the prevalence of automated telescopes.

Comet Anatomy: Comets, pieces of old debris such as dirty ice from the time our solar system was formed, usually remain distant from the sun, frozen and invisible to us.
* Once in a while, a comet heads toward the sun, evaporating its icy matter due to the sun’s heat, liberating the dust and dirt within and forming the comet’s tail, which is what we see from our planet.

Viewing Advice: The comet is presently only visible from the northern hemisphere, requiring an early rise and clear line of sight to the eastern horizon.
* It is closest to the Earth on Tuesday morning, and will be nearest to the sun on September 17.
* The comet, which exists in the constellation of Leo, requires binoculars or a small telescope for a good view.
* On viewing, expect a “fuzzy white glow,” as the comet’s green color is only seen in photos.

Historical Orbit: The last time Comet Nishimura was visible from Earth was in the late 1500s, with another visible passage not scheduled until the 2450s due to its 430-year sun orbit.
* Therefore, missing its appearance this time implies a long wait for another opportunity.

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