Shoemaker-Levy 9 was a comet discovered in 1993 by astronomers David Levy and Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker. It gained attention because it was found to be in a fragmented state, consisting of multiple pieces that were pulled apart by the strong gravitational forces of Jupiter. In July 1994, the fragments of Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with Jupiter, creating massive explosions that were observed from Earth. This event provided valuable insights into the composition of Jupiter and the dynamics of cometary impacts, highlighting the potential hazards posed by celestial objects in our solar system.