Scientists Track Rare Interstellar Comet Passing Through Our Solar System

Scientists are keeping a close watch on a rare comet as it passes through our solar system — and this isn’t just any comet. NASA says the object originated outside of our solar system, making it a rare interstellar visitor.

The Hubble Space Telescope and the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer recently captured new images of the comet as it streaked through space. Hubble first spotted the comet back in July, and astronomers observed it again last month when it moved to within 178 million miles of Earth, close in astronomical terms, though still very far away.

New imagery reveals a glowing halo of gas surrounding the comet, along with two distinctive tails, a signature of its interaction with sunlight and solar winds.

NASA says there is no danger to people on Earth, and scientists are using the opportunity to study the comet’s composition and behavior, which could provide valuable insight into material from beyond our own solar system.