Comet Siding Spring will pass historically close to Mars on October 19, 2014. It’ll be 10 times closer than the closest known comet encounter to Earth. The encounter could spark Martian auroras, a meteor shower, and other unpredictable effects. Whatever happens, NASA’s fleet of Mars satellites will have a ringside seat.
Find out more: As Comet Siding Spring approaches Mars, NASA gets ready
Like what you read?
Subscribe and receive daily news delivered to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
More from
Editors of EarthSky
View All
See the zodiacal light now, before it’s gone
March 28, 2024
Why is there no eclipse every full and new moon?
March 22, 2024
Use the Big Dipper to find Polaris, the North Star
March 21, 2024
Betelgeuse is dimming again. When will it explode?
March 17, 2024