Comet Fragments Approaching Earth
Space Weather News for May 10, 2006
http://spaceweather.com
HERE THEY COME: More than 60 fragments of dying comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3
are racing toward Earth. There's no danger of a collision. At closest approach
on May 12th through 16th, the mini-comets will be 6 million miles away.
That is close enough, however, for a marvelous view through backyard telescopes.
Many of the fragments are themselves crumbling, producing clouds of gas and dust
mixed with boulder-sized debris. As some fragments fade, others brighten,
surprising onlookers. It's an amazing display.
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