Comet Lovejoy is approaching so close to Earth's orbit this New Year that it would be possible to see it with the naked eye. The comet would then disappear again for another 8,000 years.

Comet Lovejoy will be seen as a faint, white smudge, when viewed by using a pair of 10x50 binoculars under moderate suburban light pollution. However, one would be able to see it better at a location with less light pollution. Even the green tint could be spotted in dark conditions.

The comet discovered on August 17 by Terry Lovejoy, an amateur astronomer from Australia, is now approaching closest to Earth. It is officially designated as C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy).

The comet glows green since its molecules (cyanogen and diatomic carbon) are ionized and emit a particular wavelength of light when sunlight passes through them. Though, it would appear grey when seen with the naked eye.

Comets can flare up at any time, or can fade and go unobserved by average stargazer. According to comet-hunter David Levy, "Comets are like cats. They both have tails and they both do what they want".

According to CBS News, Lovejoy will go closest to Earth on January 7. Then, it will begin moving away from Earth and lose its intensity.