In this telescopic image, the faint comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) has been traveling through the background stars and faint distant galaxies in the constellation Taurus since September 7. About 5 years ago, its 4-kilometer-diameter double-lobed core became a resting place for robots sent from Earth after the end of the historic Rosetta mission. Once beyond Jupiter's orbit, Churyumov-Gerasimenko will reach its closest point to the Sun again on November 2 during its 6.4-year orbit. On November 12, it will come within 0.42 astronomical units of Earth, its closest approach to the Sun. In late November and December, the comet is expected to reach its brightest period, but will still need to be observed with telescopes. As of September 7, Rosetta's comet was about 0.65 astronomical units, or 5.4 light minutes, from Earth.

September 10, 2021 Astronomy Photo of the Day (NASA APOD)

Image Source & Copyright: Rolando Ligustri (CARA Project, CAST)