In a celestial spectacle that has captivated stargazers worldwide, the recently discovered green comet Nishimura is set to make its closest approach to Earth today, September 12.
However, spotting the comet might prove challenging, as it is extremely faint, necessitating the use of binoculars and a precise knowledge of its location.
"So you really need a good pair of binoculars to pick it out and you also need to know where to look," said Paul Chodas, the manager of NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, emphasizing the need for equipment and guidance.
Scientists initially speculated that Nishimura might be an interstellar comet, much like 'Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov. However, further observations revealed it follows an approximately 430-year orbit around the sun, dispelling the notion of it being a one-time visitor from interstellar space.
The comet on September 12 will reach its closest point to Earth, coming within a distance of 78 million miles (125 million kilometers). By September 17, Nishimura will make its perihelion, or closest approach to the sun, drawing within 20.5 million miles (33 million kilometers) of our star.
Thereafter, it will embark on its journey back to the outer solar system, provided it survives its close encounter with the sun.
Comet Nishimura's radiant appearance has been a sight to behold as it brightened significantly during its approach. The dazzling transformation results from the release of gas from the comet's interior, a reaction to the intense solar wind and radiation it faces.
The comet's coma, a cloud of gas and dust enveloping its solid core, emits a mesmerizing green glow due to the presence of dicarbon molecules reacting with sunlight, as explained by science-related media.
In recent days, astrophotographers around the world have captured stunning images of Comet Nishimura illuminating the night sky. However, as the comet gets closer to the sun, it will become increasingly difficult to spot, ultimately vanishing from view as the sun's brilliance outshines it.
Notably, the comet endured encounters with two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, causing temporary disruptions to its impressive tail. While these solar storms didn't alter the comet's trajectory, they added an unexpected twist to its cosmic journey.