Comet Elenin [C/2010 X1 (Elenin)] was discovered 10 December 2010 by astronomers, showing up as a faint fuzzy speck on a telescopic CCD image taken by Leonid Elenin of Moscow. See link: ISON-NM Observatory (H15).
In astronomic terms, the comet was around a magnitude of 19 when the image was captured. During the month of September 2011, the comet should become bright enough to be an easy target for the backyard astronomer. Its coma exceeded 200,000 kms this month, so September will be interesting, coma-wise. Even at a magnitude of 10, in July 2011, it is about 25 times fainter with the naked eye, so get out those powerful binoculars or maybe a telescope would be a better option. It is travelling at 42,000 kilometres per hour!! Early October, it should be visible with binoculars as it will bee nearest the earth at this time.
I shall not be commenting on all the doom and gloom scenarios out there on the internet but you might want to check out the ‘tweets’ for ‘elenin. This link however, should alleviate those concerns : NASA's take on Comet Elenin
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