"Rare Green Comet Nishimura Makes Once-in-a-Lifetime Appearance Before 400-Year Hiatus"

A newly discovered kilometer-sized comet, named Nishimura comet after its amateur Japanese discoverer, is making its first visit to our cosmic neighborhood in over 400 years. Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere have a limited time to catch a glimpse of the faint comet before it disappears in the sun's glare. It will pass safely by Earth on September 12, coming within 78 million miles, and will reach its closest point to the sun on September 17. Although visible to the naked eye, binoculars are recommended for better viewing. If it survives its encounter with the sun, the comet may be visible in the Southern Hemisphere by the end of September.