Comets
Latest about Comets
![Austrian astrophotographer Michael Jäger captured this image of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) showing a disconnection in its tail.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vZ4wFQR8MMJWZuu3GKTtH4-320-80.jpg)
Brilliant green comet loses part of its tail to solar storm in this stunning astrophotographer photo
By Tereza Pultarova published
An image taken by an Austrian comet hunter reveals a disconnection in Comet's C/2022 E3 (ZTF) tail that may have been caused by turbulent space weather.
![A photo of comet C/2022 E3 ZTF taken on Dec. 26, 2022 in Payson, Arizona by Chris Schur.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sDcm46qbzdeaMS3UoPN5DL-320-80.jpg)
Bright green comet a rare 'messenger from the outer reaches of our solar system,' astronomers say
By Brett Tingley published
Astronomers involved with the discovery of comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) are just as excited about its discovery as the public is.
![A photo of comet C/2022 E3 ZTF taken on Dec. 26, 2022 in Payson, Arizona by Chris Schur.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sDcm46qbzdeaMS3UoPN5DL-320-80.jpg)
A comet not seen in 50,000 years is coming. Here's what you need to know
By Joe Rao published
On Feb. 1, comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will pass to within 28 million miles (42 million km) of our planet, its first visit in 50,000 years.
![An artist's impression of a comet flying through space trailed by twin streams of gas and dust.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HxnXavogacEC2wwGWFXG25-320-80.jpg)
Massive eruption from icy volcanic comet detected in solar system
By Harry Baker published
Astronomers observed a major eruption from a volcanic comet flying through the solar system, likely spewing more than 1 million tons of debris into space.
![comet with long tail](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zyCJZTZaLnHnhohXR8Rfph-320-80.jpg)
Stunning image of Comet Leonard breakup wins top astronomy photography prize of 2022
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
A 'disconnection event' in the bright Comet Leonard caught the eyes of judges at Royal Observatory Greenwich.
![A view of the Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from the Rosetta spacecraft as seen on Aug. 22, 2014.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2ugY6atBUuJWAgJAB4JyRa-320-80.jpg)
Comet 67P has the building blocks of life — smells like mothballs and almonds
By Robert Lea published
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko is richer in organic molecules than scientists thought, which could have implications for how life on Earth began.
![Astronomer Don Machholz looking into a telescope](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rr4NYhfBrpNiQomaFE53iS-320-80.jpg)
In Memoriam: Famed 'Comet Hunter' Don Machholz dies at 69
By Joe Rao published
Donald Edward Machholz was an American amateur astronomer who was the leading visual comet discoverer, credited with the visual discovery of 12 comets that bear his name.
![comet streaking in sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AxtyxEQq9ufUrHqpbyoYfj-320-80.jpg)
Bright fireball over Madrid traced back to comet of origin
By Robert Lea published
A meteor that erupted in a fireball at the end of July has been traced back to the debris of a comet that formed 4.6 billion years ago.
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