A green goddess: Two-tailed comet snapped streaking past Earth

We have known of its existence for only two years. But one scientist has captured an awe-inspiring picture of comet Lulin as it streaked past Earth on its ever-onward journey.

Glowing an eerie green, it came within 38million miles of Earth yesterday, the closest it has ever been, and about the same distance away as Mars.

Richard Richins from New Mexico State University snapped this spectacular picture in calm conditions two nights ago.

Lulin over New Mexico on 23rd February