Astronomy Picture of the Day · October 20, 2014

Comet Siding Spring Passes Mars

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for October 20, 2014 is “Comet Siding Spring Passes Mars,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: SEN / Damian Peach). The original explanation runs about 182 words.

From the explanation

“Yesterday, a comet passed very close to Mars. In fact, Comet C/2013 A1 (Siding Spring) passed closer to the red planet than any comet has ever passed to Earth in recorded history.”

— APOD editors, October 20, 2014

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: October 20, 2014
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: SEN / Damian Peach
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 182 words

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Topics in this entry

Mars Comets

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: October 20 in other years

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, October 20, 2014 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2014-october-20-comet-siding-spring-passes-mars

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.