Notice to budding astronomers. Comet C/2023 P1, better known as Comet Nishimura, in reference to the name of the Japanese amateur astronomer who made its discovery, continues its journey towards the Sun. When comets approach our star, the ice contained in their core sublimates. and releases a long trail of dust that reflects the light of the Sun. A rare event to observe.
Comet Nishimura will be closest to our star on September 17, 33 million kilometers from it and 125 million kilometers from Earth.
The phenomenon, if it is already observable, will be especially observable the night of Friday, September 8 to Saturday, September 9. In fact, the comet will be much brighter, especially in the northern hemisphere of the globe.
“It will be very difficult for non-experts to see,” warns astrophysicist Eric Lagadec, ex-Twitter, in X.
Looking at the sky around 6am before sunrise
If obviously a telescope is more than recommended to observe the comet in the best possible conditions, we still need to know the ideal time and weather conditions to enjoy the show.
“It is best to look at the sky before dawn (around 6 a.m. in France, editor’s note), towards the northeast, to the left of Venus (commonly called the Shepherd’s Star), in a clear sky, free of pollution and brilliant,” advises Nicolas Biver, CNRS researcher at the Paris Observatory – PSL.
A trail of greenish dust
Small binoculars will suffice. to enjoy the spectacle, which some were even able to see at a glance if the atmospheric conditions are suitable. For those with eagle eyes, the trail of comet C/2023 P1 will be greenish in colordue to its gas content rather than powder.
Its last pass near our star dates back to 437 years ago. All the more reason not to miss it.
Source: BFM TV
