[dr_lew]

(about 0.0002 Earth-Sun distances, or within spitting distance of our planet’s outermost atmosphere). These thousands of particles could burn up in Earth’s atmosphere as meteors when our planet plows through the debris field.

A statement like this is puzzling. The radius of the earth is ( very nearly ) 4000 miles, and the Earth-Sun distance is fondly remembered by many as 93 million miles, and 0.00002 * 93000000 = 18600. Now to me, "spitting distance of the outer atmosphere" would imply an approach on a scale less than the thickness of the atmosphere. As it is, the earth along with its very very thin atmosphere is going to "plow through the debris field" as is stated in the same breath, as it were.

Do you see what I mean? The "spitting distance" remark is very misleading and unhelpful to the understanding of what's supposed to be happening.

[Errant]

Do you see what I mean? The "spitting distance" remark is very misleading and unhelpful to the understanding of what's supposed to be happening.

Yep, it's misleading. The satellite images I've seen suggest a mass of debris flying in a large formation, instead of single body comet. If the supposed radar returns we see on the net are true, then outside the main body of debris are numerous other objects spread out over very large distances.

[Yosemitest]

"The "spitting distance" remark is very misleading and unhelpful to the understanding of what's supposed to be happening."

I agree.

Have you seen the graphic or a chart that starts about 28 seconds into the video referenced in comment #7 ?
I'm trying to find the original source to read it, and do more research on it.