Mexico is preparing for an unparalleled celestial spectacle, as a newly discovered green comet will get close enough to be visible from various regions of the country. Astronomy enthusiasts and lovers of the beauty of the universe will have the opportunity to contemplate this unique celestial phenomenon.
Comet Nishimura was discovered in early August and is already visible from Earth. At dawn, heading east, with the help of binoculars and during the first week of September, is the ideal time to be able to find it in the sky in different parts of the world.
Specifically in Mexico, the phenomenon is already visible from now until September 16, however, UNAM’s Global magazine reported that there will be two specific days to look at it easily and with the naked eye, without the need for special equipment.
Between Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 September, the phenomenon will be seen towards the constellation Leo and the best time to see it will be during sunset.
“However, in case you want to observe the comet another day during the period from September 7 to 16, it can be done, although we will need help from applications such as Star Walk 2 and Stellarium to guide us,” added the UNAM.
For people living in the southern hemisphere, this cosmic object will be noticeable from September 20 to 25.
The green comet, which bears the name C/2023 P1 Nishimura, was discovered by an amateur astronomer, the Japanese Hideo Nishimura, and, according to the latest data from the NASA Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), it is a long-period comet with an orbit that would take it to pass through its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) every 520 years.
This was explained to EFE by the researcher at the Institute of Space Sciences of the Higher Center for Scientific Research of Spain and the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia, Josep Maria Trigo.