Comet Siding Springs’ Close Approach to Mars
June 16, 2014
Credit | NASA/JPL-Caltech |
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If Mars were Earth, comet Siding Spring would pass by at about 1/3 the distance of Earth to the Moon.
This artist's concept shows a comparison of this extremely close encounter. The comet will pass only 82,000 miles (132,000 kilometers) from Mars on Oct. 19, 2014. NASA Mars spacecraft have taken the necessary precautions to protect themselves during this encounter.