Comet ISON passing the Sun. Diagram showing the path (arrowed line) of comet ISON around the Sun (centre). Discovered in 2012 using the International
Comet ISON passing the Sun. Diagram showing the path (arrowed line) of comet ISON around the Sun (centre). Discovered in 2012 using the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON), it was predicted that comet ISON would be one of the brightest comets in history as it passed Earth in 2013. However, most of comet ISON disintegrated as it approached its perihelion (the point at which it passes closest to the Sun). It is thought that this is because it was not large enough to withstand its trajectory around the Sun. Imaged in 2013.
Size: 4180px × 4180px
Photo credit: © ESA/SOHO/SDO/NASA/DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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