Gas spirals spinning off the rotating comet 46P/Wirtanen.

(University of Maryland)

At a Glance

As comet 46P/Wirtanen sailed across the sky, astronomers were able to capture its rotation.The comet will make its closest pass to Earth on Dec. 16 and may be visible to the naked eye.

As comet 46P/Wirtanen rotated in the night sky, astronomers were able to use special filters to record cyanogen gases spinning off of the comet, creating a spectacular visual.

Led by Tony Farnham, a team of astronomers was able to record the spin of 46P/Wirtanen and calculate the comet has a rotation period — how long it takes for the comet to complete one rotation — , according to the University of Maryland.

Comet 46P/Wirtanen willbuzz by Earth in its closest approach on Dec. 16. At7.1 million miles away —30 times the moon's distance — the pass will be the 10th-closest by a comet in modern times.

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Whether or not the comet will be visible to the naked eye is still unknown. In a November approach, 46P/Wirtanen registered a stellar magnitude of 8, which was still unseen by the naked eye. The December approach is projected to reach a magnitude of 3.5 to 6, which couldbe just bright enough , according to EarthSky.

On the stellar magnitude scale, the sun registers at minus 26.74 and a full moon at minus 12.74. The naked eye limit is listed as a 6, so the lower the number, the brighter it appears.

However, using binoculars or a telescope will give you a great look at the comet, especially at a distance from city lights.