Spectacular Comet Show is Predicted

NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO, has seen an unprecedented number of  'suicide comets'. These comets have a trajectory that brings them so close to the Sun that they vaporize. It is common for SOHO to see one of these comets every few days. However, between December 13 and 22 SOHO picked up more than 25 comets. Specialists at NASA believe this could be an indication of an even larger comet approaching the sun that could light up the night sky. This would be similar to the Ikeya-Seki comet that got close to the sun in 1965. However, some astronomers are skeptics. There is no solid evidence that relates increased 'suicide comet' activity to the approach of a larger comet, and even if there was a larger comet it could possibly take millions of years to get here. Regardless, skywatching enthusiasts are keeping their fingers crossed for a phenomenal show.

 

Read the full article here: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/01/110117-comets-storm-sun-soho-nasa-sungrazing-science-space/