Comet 8P/Tuttle will pass the Earth at a distance of approximately 0.25 AU (Astronomical Units - or about 23.2 million miles) on January 2nd, 2008. The Ursid meteor shower which occurs in late December results from Comet 8P/Tuttle's approach. The 2007 Ursid meteor shower will be stronger than usual because of the return of the comet.

Since Comet 8P/Tuttle was first discovered back in 1790, it has had 5 fairly close approaches to the Earth.  The comet will be discernible to those using binoculars, and could even be visible to the naked eye in locations without light pollution. Remember that Comet 8P/Tuttle is the parent comet responsible for the Ursid meteor showers.


(Skymap above provided by Spaceweather.com)

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