Comet Tempel 2, which is about the same size as the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, is heading toward Earth this summer
An object that was first spotted more than 150 years ago.
When an object from space approaches our planet, many people worry about what might happen. This is the case with Comet Tempel 2, which, at about 6.2 miles in diameter, is similar in size to the asteroid linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs. We’ll soon be able to see it very clearly, though fortunately, it poses no danger and is completely harmless to Earth.
When will Comet Tempel 2 be visible? If you have clear skies, get your binoculars or a small telescope ready, because you’ll soon have the chance to see a 6.2-mile-wide comet—which was first spotted 153 years ago—as it approaches Earth. The comet will make its closest approach on August 3, so this summer we have another great opportunity to observe a visitor from space that humanity first recorded in the 19th century.
A frequent visitor who isn’t always visible in the best possible light
The story of Tempel 2 began on July 4, 1873, when the German astronomer and renowned comet hunter Wilhelm Tempel spotted a faint object moving in a southeasterly direction in the constellation Pisces. Tempel was able to observe the comet the following night, and again over the next few months, until it disappeared from view on October 20 of that same year.
It was determined that this was a short-period comet, suggesting that it completed one orbit every 5 or 5½ years. On July 19, 1878, Tempel observed the comet re-entering our small region, confirming a more precise estimate of 5.16 years.
We now know that those 19th-century astronomers were slightly off in their calculations, and that Comet Tempel 2 orbits the Sun every 5.37 years. This short orbital period makes it an ideal object for repeated observations to determine how such objects evolve over time.
Its frequent visits do not mean it can always be observed perfectly. Occasionally, there are periods when viewing conditions are unfavorable, but this time it will begin to be visible starting this July in the constellation Capricorn to anyone with binoculars or a telescope.
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When will Tempel 2 be at its best? When the comet is closest to the Sun, in late July and early August, with July 2 and 3 marking its closest approach to Earth.
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