Comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2) is a long-period comet, discovered by the Japanese astronomer Yuji Hyakatake in January 1996. It developed rapidly throughout March, reaching the peak of its display in the Northern Hemisphere between 24 and 26 March, when it was visible all night and sported a tail spanning at least 75°. At closest approach to Earth is was only 0.10 AU (15,000,000 kilometers) away.