Comet Elenin

Comet Elenin is currently whipping through the inner Solar System. It seems to be an average-sized or smaller comet which may or may not become visible to the naked human eye. Its closest approach to Earth will come in October, but that approach will be roughly 22 million miles distant.

All in all, Comet Elenin would have been an unremarkable visitor at other times, but we are approaching the 2012 Doomsday prediction of many New Agers, and some have said the coming of Comet Elenin marks the beginning of the end. So many people have been concerned about that possibility, as evidenced by Internet activity and emails to NASA, that the space agency has released public statements assuring people that this comet poses absolutely no threat to Earth.

Of course, those who believe the Mayans knew something that we don't about how the universe operates likely won't be comforted by NASA's statements, but everyone willing to go by evidence and modern science can relax.