The Great Southern Comet came within 446,000 miles of the Sun — scientists explain how close an object can get and survive

Astronomical objects can approach the Sun, with some comets and asteroids traveling remarkably close and surviving. Mercury, despite being closest to the Sun, has its orbit much farther than various known comets and asteroids. The Great Southern Comet of 1887 notably survived a close encounter, coming within 446,187 miles of the Sun's center. NASA's Parker Solar Probe has approached even closer, utilizing advanced engineering to withstand harsh solar conditions.