The comet brightened rather suddenly, and was initially visible from the southern hemisphere only.

In 2004, residents of the southern hemisphere had the opportunity to watch the comet gradually brighten as it raced toward perihelion.

Upon recovery, it became apparent that the comet was brightening very fast, reaching naked-eye visibility in early January 2007.

The comet brightened near July 5, 2000, and underwent a minor fragmentation event.

The comet brightened again around July 20, 2000, and then disintegrated.

By early May 2012, the comet had brightened to magnitude 13.5, and could be seen visually when using a large amateur telescope from a dark site.

In January 2013 there was a noticeable brightening slowdown that suggested the comet may only brighten to magnitude +1.

The outburst likely started in December 1990, and then the comet brightened from magnitude 24.3 to magnitude 18.9.

During the 1999 passage the comet brightened to about magnitude 13.5.

The comet brightened rapidly, and within days had become an exceptionally bright object.