While there will be plenty of fireworks later today for our Amerifriends, it’s nice to know that our very own solar system will be putting on a show for the rest of us — with comet ISON hurting toward the Sun at a staggering 77,248 kph.
Unlike the fireworks you’ll launch, this comet isn’t burning — in fact it’s pretty cold. As the comet moves closer to the sun it’ll warm up, its rate of sublimation will increase, and it will appear brighter and its tail longer — and by November you’ll be able to see it with your naked eye. [NASA]
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team