>>4344649 (pb)
"A comet is set to pass close to Earth this weekend, providing a treat for skywatchers and for astronomers hoping to learn more about the building blocks of the early solar system.
The comet, named 46P/Wirtanen, will buzz by Earth in its closest approach at 8:06 a.m. EST (1306 GMT) on Sunday, Dec. 16. The comet will pass just 7,199,427 miles (11,586,350 kilometers) from Earth. That makes this one of the 10 closest comet approaches since 1950 and the 20th closest approach of a comet dating as far back as the ninth century.
During this closest approach, the comet will be visible to the naked eye (under extremely dark skies) and provide a rare event for skywatchers, according to a statement from Auburn University in Alabama. "
https://www.space.com/42730-hubble-telescope-tracking-comet-46p-wirtanen-flyby.html