March 26, 2024
On this date in 1996, the comet Hyakutake made its closest approach to Earth, passing just 0.1 AU away. This comet was discovered on January 31, 1996, and passed by Earth only a few months later. One of the most surprising discoveries made during this approach was the emission of X-rays, which had never been detected from a comet before.
Comet Hyakutake imaged from Finland in 1996. Image credit: Auvo Korpi