Comet Tracker Tonight: When And Where To Easily See It On Friday
Get ready for a celestial spectacle! Comet C/2023 P1 (Nishimura) is set to grace our skies this Friday, September 1, and it could be the most visible comet of the year. Here’s your guide to spotting it.
When and Where to See It
The comet will be closest to Earth on September 12, 2023. But it will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere in the pre-dawn hours from August 28 to September 9, passing between the constellations of Cancer and Leo. It will be visible for a couple of hours after midnight.
The best time to see Comet Nishimura will be around 4:30 am on Friday. To find the comet, look toward the eastern horizon, just before dawn, below the constellation of Leo.
How to See the Comet
Comet Nishimura should be visible to the naked eye in areas with minimal light pollution. However, using binoculars or a telescope will give you a much clearer view, enabling you to see more of its beautiful tail. The key is to be away from city lights, giving your eyes the chance to adapt to the dark.
Understanding the Phenomenon
Comets are icy celestial bodies that heat up as they pass near the sun. The heat causes them to release gases and dust, creating a beautiful tail that extends outward. This spectacle occurs because of the comet’s icy core, a reservoir of frozen water, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and dust particles. When it gets close enough to the sun, the sun’s warmth starts to heat up this icy core, causing the frozen components to sublimate—change from solid directly into a gas.
A Comet’s Journey
Comet Nishimura’s path stretches all the way back from beyond Neptune. Its orbit is unusual, a highly elliptical shape that sends it spiraling outwards into the frigid depths of space before making its way back in. The next time we might see this comet again is hundreds of years later, highlighting the significance of experiencing this rare cosmic event.
Importance of a Clear Horizon
Remember, your best bet is to find a location with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, where the comet will appear. Light pollution significantly obscures celestial objects, including comets. Getting away from city lights will dramatically enhance your chances of witnessing this magnificent event.
Taking Pictures of Comet Nishimura
Capturing the comet on camera is a fantastic way to preserve the experience. While you can certainly try with your phone camera, a dedicated camera with a tripod is ideal. To achieve the best results, use a wide-angle lens, set a long exposure time (between 10 and 30 seconds), and try adjusting the ISO sensitivity depending on the amount of light in your environment. You might even consider utilizing a star tracker or astrophotography-specific settings.
Safety and Tips
As the sun will rise just before dawn, avoid direct viewing. Wear appropriate clothing for the cool morning hours, and consider a lawn chair or a comfortable spot for observing.
About Comet C/2023 P1 (Nishimura)
The comet was discovered in late August 2023 by Hideo Nishimura, a Japanese amateur astronomer. Nishimura’s comet will make a rare trip past Earth’s neighborhood this fall. It’s on an orbital path that loops all the way back around beyond Neptune, making this appearance all the more remarkable.
Share Your Experiences
After watching the comet, be sure to share your thoughts and experiences. Connect with others on social media using the hashtag #CometNishimura or leave comments below! The celestial spectacle has inspired people around the world to reconnect with the wonders of our night sky, fostering a sense of collective wonder and exploration. This is a reminder of our place within the universe, and the endless mysteries that lie beyond.
