Green Comet Nishimura brightened skies early Tuesday over Bucks County

Damon C. Williams, George Petras and Janet Loehrke, Bucks County Courier Times
·2 min read
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Cosmic watchers and amateur astrologers alike witnessed the exceedingly rare passing of Comet Nishimura over Bucks County skies.

Comet Nishimura, which emits a golden-green glow and produces long green trails, was visible early Tuesday morning. And for those that missed it, it will be hundreds of years before Nishimura makes such another close pass.

What's special about Comet Nishimura?

Comet Nishimura has a green head, a color caused by "diatomic carbon, a highly reactive molecule that is created from the interaction between sunlight and organic matter," according to planetary.org.

The comet's discovery has surprised professional and amateur astronomers alike. Most new comets are found by automated telescope surveys, but Nishimura was discovered Aug. 12 by Hideo Nishimura, an amateur astronomer in Japan, using a standard digital camera and a 200mm telephoto lens. The comet was named after him. The Minor Planet Center confirmed it on Aug. 15.

Photo of Comet Nishimura. The comet, which glowed green, was spotted in the atmosphere over Bucks County early Tuesday morning.
Photo of Comet Nishimura. The comet, which glowed green, was spotted in the atmosphere over Bucks County early Tuesday morning.

Nishimura has discovered two other comets: Comet Nishimura (C/2021 O1) and Comet Nakamura-Nishimura-Machholz (C/1994 N1).

Comet Nishimura's rare pass: See Comet Nishimura now or never: Interstellar traveler won't return for 400 years

Comet Nishimura a TikTok, social media sensation

Comet Nishimura has fascinated social media since it first became visible.

https://twitter.com/weatherchannel/status/1701583578956546430

On TikTok, user Baldnewsbackup has two posts dedicated to Comet Nishimura; one foretelling its arrival, and the other a livestream of Comet Nishimura's passing:

Staring lights up Bucks County skies: What were the lights streaking over Bucks County ... and when can you see them again?

Amateur astrologists on Facebook are also sharing their view of comet Nishimura:

When will we next see Comet Nishimura in Bucks County?

And according to Astronomy.com, your very last opportunity to see Comet Nishimura will be Wednesday and Thursday.

While there are no guarantees you will spot the zooming comet, it is suggested to use powerful binoculars or a telescope and look for the Leo Constellation.

On Wednesday, the best time to try and catch a glimpse of Comet Nishimura will be 25 minutes before sunrise.

On Thursday, the time slips to 15 minutes before sunrise. On Friday, the comet rises before the sun, meaning Comet Nishimura will not be visible.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Green Comet Nishimura brightened skies over Bucks County. How to see it