Hubble Space Telescope sees interstellar comet, distant galaxy at the same time

• "The galaxy's bright central core is smeared in the image because Hubble was tracking the comet," NASA said in a statement.
• Scientists keeping a close eye on Borisov have found that the comet looks similar to those that originate in our solar system, but new observations will help them learn even more about the object before it leaves us behind.

What's next: Borisov is now speeding toward its closest approach with Earth next week, when it will fly about 180 million miles from our home planet on Dec. 28 before heading out past Jupiter by mid-2020.

Go deeper:

• Hubble Space Telescope captures best view yet of interstellar comet
• Your weekly dose of awe: A space-time warp