10 Stunning Photos of Comet Vistas

Updated: Aug 08, 2024, 12:29 PM(IST)

Comets are large icy and dusty celestial bodies that orbit the sun. They are the remnants of the early formation of our solar system. They heat up and release gases and dust, which can be often seen as a glowing tail that extends over millions of miles.

Here are 10 stunning photos of comets captured by astronomers.

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Comet Lovejoy

This image of comet Lovejoy was taken by scientists from NASA’s Goddard Center for Astrobiology in Maryland on February 4, 2015, just after the comet passed its perihelion, the closest point to the sun.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet Halley

One of the most popular comets, Halley appears after every 72-80 years. This image of its nucleus was taken in 1986, the last time it was seen near Earth, by the European spacecraft Giotto.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet Hale–Bopp

Comet Hale–Bopp is one of the brightest comets and can be seen with the naked eye. This image was taken in April 1997, just after it passed the perihelion, the closest point to the sun in orbit.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet ISON

Discovered in September 2012, this picture of comet ISON was taken in November 2013, days before its close approach to the sun. This comet is famous for its bright glow and is speculated to be one of the greatest comets by some enthusiasts.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet NEOWISE

Comet NEOWISE was captured by NASA on July 9, 2020. This stunning image shows a pre-dawn sky over Utah with the comet making its appearance, visible to the naked eye.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet Encke

Captured during its closest approach to Mercury, Comet Encke is a periodic comet. It completes its orbit around the sun in 3.3 years and was first discovered in January 1786.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet SWAN

This comet was discovered in March 2020 by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). While it is near the visibility range of the naked eye, it is difficult to spot as it is not as bright.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet West

Captured by ESO, Comet West was discovered in August 1975. During its peak brightness in March 1976, it was bright enough to observe in daylight.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet Leonard

This beautiful image of Comet Leonard was captured by the University of Hertfordshire Observatory. It was discovered in January 2021 at the Mount Lemmon Observatory.

(Photograph:Others)

Comet Hyakutake

This photograph of Comet Hyakutake was first discovered in January 1996. It is often called the Great Comet of 1996 due to its brightness. This comet is one of the closest to pass the Earth in past 200 years.

(Photograph:Others)

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