Space history is in the making starting Monday, March 21 as the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) confirmed that two comets are projected to streak near Earth.

A Pair of Comets Approaching

The first one, Comet 252P/LINEAR, will be making its appearance on Monday and is reportedly a striking emerald-green color, while the second one will pass by a day later and will be closer to Earth than any other comet that passed in the past 250 years.

While the first comet may be seen with binoculars in the southern atmosphere, as long as people are away from the dazzling bright lights of the city, the second space rock may be far too small to be seen by the naked eye.

"While both comets will safely fly past at relatively close distances, anyone hoping to see them will need powerful, professional-grade telescopes, due to their relatively small size," NASA said in an official statement.

NASA and other scientists will definitely be keeping an eye out for the pair of comets, preparing large telescopes to see and record the wonders as they streak by. The "twin nature" of the two is of particular interest to researchers.

"This is one for the record books," astronomer Michael Kelley of the University of Maryland said, adding that he's never heard of a pair of comets being so close to the planet within such a short amount of time. "It's a fantastic opportunity for professionals to learn more about comets, and if you have a chance to try to find them ... It's a fantastic chance to see part of history as it happens."

Third Closest Comet in History

The second comet, Comet P/2016 BA14, is smaller but it's noteworthy in its own right as it will pass by Earth at a distance of about 3.5 million km or 2.2 million miles. This makes it the third closest comet ever to pass through the planet in recorded history.

It's close relative to other comets, but there's no need for concern as its closest distance is still over nine times further away from the planet than the Moon. NASA made sure that it's clear the event is one that is not dangerous nor to be feared.

"Comet P/2016 BA14 is not a threat," Paul Chodas, manager of NASA's centre of Near Earth Object (NEO) Studies, assured. "Instead, it is an excellent opportunity for scientific advancement on the study of comets."

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