The Comet Swift-Tuttle, which was first spotted in 1862, is thought to be roughly six miles across. Since its first official sighting in the 19th century by Louis Swift and then by Horace Tuttle three days later, this comet hadn’t been seen again until 130 years later when its closest pass with Earth occurred in 1992. It is estimated that at the most recent pass, the comet was a mere 110 million miles from the planet. It won't be seen again until 2126.
While it is rare to see the comet itself, every year, millions of people head out in search of some of the darker places of the night to witness the Perseid Meteor shower, an annual event that occurs when the Earth crosses the orbit of the comet. |