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 — of 8.91 hours, according to the University of Maryland.

Comet 46P/Wirtanen will buzz by Earth in its closest approach on Dec. 16. At 7.1 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 could be just bright enough to show itself against a dark sky, 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.