Five Rare Astronomical Events Before 2100

All images: NASA, Space.com

Asteroid Apophis: Year 2029

Asteroid Apophis will fly past Earth in 2029. According to NASA, Apophis quickly gained notoriety as an asteroid that could pose a serious threat to Earth when astronomers predicted that it would come uncomfortably close five years later. However, additional observations showed that there was no risk of an impact.

A Parade of Planets: Year 2040

On Sept 8, 2040, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will align in the sky. Some planets like Jupiter and Venus will be clearly visible.

Brightest Supermoon of the 21st Century: Year 2052

The brightest supermoon of the 21st century will occur on Dec 6, 2052. The Moon will be as much as 17,000 miles closer to us than usual.

Comet 15P/Finlay to fly past Earth in 2060

Comet 15P/Finlay will fly past Earth on Oct 27, 2060. 15P/Finlay orbits the sun every 2,380 days (6.52 years).

Earth Eclipse: Year 2084

In Nov 2084, Earth and the Moon will pass by the Sun, looking like bright silhouettes. The last time such an event happened was in 1984.