Comets are small, icy bodies that orbit the sun in elliptical paths. As they approach the sun, they heat up and release gas and dust, forming a cloud called a coma and a tail that can stretch for millions of kilometers. Comets are often called “dirty snowballs” or “cosmic dust bunnies” because they are made of frozen water, carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane, and other substances. Comets are also remnants of the early solar system, and they can provide clues about the origin and evolution of our planet and other worlds.
In this article, we will introduce you to a newly discovered comet named Nishimura, which will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere for five mornings in September 2023. We will also tell you how it was found, what it looks like, how to see it, and some of the amazing photos and videos taken by people from around the world. We will also explain how the comet’s tail was blown off by a solar storm and how it grew back in a matter of minutes. So, let’s get started!
Discovery and Origin of Comet Nishimura
Comet Nishimura was discovered by an amateur astronomer from Japan named Masayuki Nishimura on August 7, 2023. He used a DSLR camera and a telephoto lens to capture the faint object in the sky near the constellation of Aquila. He reported his discovery to the Minor Planet Center, which confirmed that it was a new comet and named it after him.
Comet Nishimura belongs to a group of comets called long-period comets, which have orbits that last for thousands or millions of years. These comets come from the outer edges of the solar system, where they are frozen and dormant. Occasionally, they are disturbed by the gravity of other planets or stars and sent towards the inner solar system, where they become active and visible.
Comet Nishimura may also be related to an annual meteor shower called the Sigma-Hydrids, which occurs in December. This meteor shower is caused by the debris left behind by an unknown parent body, which could be Comet Nishimura or another comet with a similar orbit. The Sigma-Hydrids are known for producing bright and fast meteors that can sometimes leave persistent trails in the sky.
Visibility and Observation of Comet Nishimura
Comet Nishimura will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere for five mornings in September 2023, starting from September 10. The best time to see it will be around an hour before sunrise, when it will be low in the eastern sky. The comet will be closest to Earth on September 12, when it will be about 62 million kilometers away. It will be closest to the sun on September 17, when it will be about 149 million kilometers away.
To find Comet Nishimura in the sky, you will need a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. You can also use a star map or an app to locate the comet’s position relative to the stars and planets. The comet will move across several constellations during its visit, such as Aquila, Delphinus, Equuleus, Pegasus, Pisces, Cetus, and Eridanus.
Some of the best places to see Comet Nishimura are dark and clear locations away from city lights, such as rural areas or national parks. You should also check the weather forecast and avoid cloudy or rainy days. You should also dress warmly and bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy while watching the comet.
Photos and Videos of Comet Nishimura
Comet Nishimura has been captured by many professional and amateur astrophotographers from around the world, who have shared their stunning images and videos online. The comet has a green color and a thin tail that can vary in length and shape depending on the solar wind. The green color is caused by the presence of carbon molecules in the comet’s coma, which glow when they are ionized by sunlight.
Some of the techniques and equipment used to take these photos and videos include long exposure, stacking, tracking, filters, etc. Long exposure is a method of capturing more light by keeping the camera shutter open for longer periods of time. Stacking is a method of combining multiple images into one to reduce noise and increase detail. Tracking is a method of moving the camera along with the motion of the sky to keep the comet in focus. Filters are devices that block or enhance certain wavelengths of light to improve contrast or color.
Here are some examples of photos and videos taken by different people from different locations:
Disconnection Event and Solar Storm
One of the most remarkable events that happened to Comet Nishimura was when its tail was blown off by a solar storm on September 9. A solar storm is a burst of highly energetic particles from the sun’s upper atmosphere that travels across the solar system, interfering with the atmospheres of planets and other bodies. A solar storm can also hit a comet and cause magnetic reconnection in its tail, sometimes ripping it off entirely. This is known as a disconnection event, and it was captured by Michael Jäger, who took a series of stunning photos and videos of the phenomenon.
A disconnection event occurs when the magnetic field lines of the solar wind and the comet’s tail interact and break apart, creating new loops of magnetic energy. The severed part of the tail is then carried away by the solar wind, while the remaining part of the tail reconnects with the comet’s nucleus. The process can take only a few minutes, and it can result in dramatic changes in the appearance and shape of the tail.
Comet Nishimura has experienced multiple disconnection events this month as it coincides with a surge in the activity on the sun’s surface, which produces more frequent and intense solar storms. These events make the comet more susceptible to these interactions, but also more spectacular to observe.
Conclusion
Comet Nishimura is a new visitor in the sky that has captivated many people with its beauty and mystery. It is a rare opportunity to witness a long-period comet that may not return for thousands or millions of years. It is also a chance to learn more about comets and how they are affected by the sun and its activity. We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that you will try to see Comet Nishimura for yourself before it fades away. You can also share your experiences and impressions with others online or offline.
