NPR

Green 'Christmas Comet' Visible In Night Sky

The comet 46P/Wirtanen just made its closest approach to Earth in centuries. No word on the whereabouts of Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Cupid, Donner or Blitzen (and Rudolph).
The 46P/Wirtanen comet, as seen through a telescope in France on Dec. 3, is currently making an unusually close pass by Earth. It will be visible, if weather allows, until Dec. 22.

This month, a comet called 46P/Wirtanen is doing a dramatic fly-by, giving Earth an unusually good view of its greenish glow.

The timing of the comet's apparition — and its seasonally appropriate coloring — have led

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