Comet 8P/Tuttle and galaxy M33 say "cheese"

William Atkins
Tuesday, 01 January 2008 03:37

Science - Space

Comet 8P/Tuttle traveled past the spiral galaxy M33 and gave astrophotographers a chance to click some good pictures of the event.          

The comet and the galaxy passed each other on the evening of December 30, 2007, at least from the perspective that us humans saw on Earth.

Specifically, Comet 8P/Tuttle passed within one degree of the galaxy M33 in Triangulum. The brightness of these two celestial objects (magnitude 6.5 for the comet and 5.7 for the galaxy) gave the pair a good advantage for astronomical photo-shooters.

To see numerous photographs of Comet 8P/Tuttle and the galaxy M33, go to the website of SpaceWeather.com and its gallery of Tuttle/M33 photographs. .

For another treat involving Comet 8P/Tuttle, read the iTWire article “Celebrate the New Year with Comet 8P/Tuttle”.

On January 1 and 2, 2008,  Comet 8P/Tuttle will be making its closest approach to Earth. See it less than 24 million miles away.