Hyakutake is a comet that was discovered in 1996 by Japanese astronomer Yuji Hyakutake. It is notable for its close approach to Earth in March 1996, coming within 0.1 astronomical units, which allowed for spectacular views from the ground. The comet is classified as a long-period comet, with an orbital period of approximately 70,000 years. Its bright tail and coma were visible to the naked eye, making it one of the most observed comets of the 1990s. Hyakutake provided valuable data for scientists studying the composition and behavior of comets.