Across the Northern Hemisphere, Now’s the Time to Catch a New Comet Before It Vanishes for 400 Years

The comet C/2023 P1 Nishimura and its tail seen from Manciano, Italy, on Sept. 5, 2023. Gianluca Masi via AP

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—A newly discovered comet is swinging through our cosmic neighborhood for the first time in more than 400 years.

Stargazers across the Northern Hemisphere should catch a glimpse as soon as possible—either this week or early next—because it will be another 400 years before the wandering ice ball returns.