Best for binoculars

Some comets brighten slowly and fade rapidly; others show relatively symmetrical light curves. But the most ‘obliging’ comets (all other things being equal) are those that rapidly brighten as they move toward perihelion, and fade only slowly as they move away.

Comet was one of these, becoming a surprise performer, especially for northern observers, during July. It was close to magnitude zero as it emerged into the twilight following perihelion on July 3 and, later in that month, provided a fine naked-eye display