# Comet 10P/Tempel 2 near-Earth approach

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/comet-10ptempel-2-near-earth-approach
> Updated: 2026-08-08T04:05:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In early August 2026, the periodic Jupiter-family comet 10P/Tempel 2 made its closest approach to Earth, passing at a distance of approximately 62 million kilometers. The event provided opportunities for scientific observation and was particularly viewable from South American countries, including Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Following the approach, NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day featured telescopic captures of the comet appearing near the globular star cluster Messier 30. While the visual composition suggested proximity, the objects remain separated by vast interstellar distances.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day highlights comet Tempel 2 and solar eclipses

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day highlights periodic comet 10P/Tempel 2 near the Messier 30 star cluster and features solar eclipse observations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-astronomy-picture-of-the-day-highlights-comet-tempel-2-and-solar-eclipses

### 2026-08-01: Comet 10P/Tempel 2 to Near Earth in August 2026, Viewable in South America

Comet 10P/Tempel 2 will pass within 62 million km of Earth on 3–4 Aug 2026, visible from South America with binoculars or a small telescope.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/comet-10ptempel-2-to-near-earth-in-august-2026-viewable-in-south-america

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Cite as: Comet 10P/Tempel 2 near-Earth approach. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/comet-10ptempel-2-near-earth-approach