Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Comet ISON gallery: 6 essential facts about the 'comet of the century'

The icy wanderer has travelled trillions of miles over more than 10,000 years to reach the interior of our solar system

James Vincent
Monday 18 November 2013 14:07 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Comet ISON might become the brightest comet of the century as it draws closer to the Sun. Heat from the star will vaporize the ice and frozen gases that comprise the body of the comet, hopefully meaning that it will be visible with the naked eye throughout December and January.

Click the gallery above to learn more about this remarkable event.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in