Spectacular comet to make an appearance in 2013

27th September 2012

Astronomers at the ISON-Kislovodsk Observatory in Russia have discovered a new comet which is set to make a dramatic appearance in 2013.

According to preliminary calculations, it will reach perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) on 28th November 2013 and will pass just 1,100,000 kilometres (680,000 mi) above the Sun's surface.

It will reach a magnitude of between -11 and -16 — potentially thousands of times brighter than Venus — and may even be visible in daylight. This would make it similar to the Great Comet of 1680.

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