This comet is classified as a ‘sun-grazing’ comet and will pass within approximately 850,000 miles of the Sun at perihelion. Comets are made up of ice and dirt and, therefore, are referred to as dirty snowballs. Upon reaching perihelion, the addition of solar energy to the comet will cause the comet to sublimate into gas very quickly, thereby creating a glowing coma that will be surrounded by a very long tail. If the nucleus of this comet can withstand the effects of such a strong gravitational field, there is a possibility that this will become a ‘Great Comet’ of 2026, with forward-scattering of light potentially making its tail visible even during morning twilight.
PC: NASA Science
