Shoemaker-Levy 9

Shoemaker-Levy 9 was a comet that famously collided with Jupiter in 1994. Discovered in 1993, it was unique because it had broken into multiple fragments before hitting the planet. The comet's close approach to Jupiter's powerful gravity pulled it apart, creating a "string of pearls" appearance. When these pieces crashed into Jupiter, they caused massive explosions, leaving dark scars on the planet’s atmosphere. This event provided valuable insights into planetary impacts and the behavior of comets, highlighting how celestial collisions can shape planetary environments.