Comet Swift-Tuttle

Comet Swift-Tuttle is a long-period comet that orbits the Sun approximately every 133 years. It has a nucleus about 26 kilometers (16 miles) across, making it one of the larger periodic comets. Its glowing coma and tail appear as it nears the Sun, caused by the ice and rock vaporizing. The comet is notable for its potential impact on Earth; it is associated with the Perseid meteor shower, which occurs annually as Earth passes through its debris trail. Its orbit intersects with Earth's, making it a subject of scientific interest for understanding comet behavior and assessing impact risks.