Tempel 1 is a comet that was discovered in 1867 by the American astronomer William R. Brooks. It is classified as a periodic comet, meaning it has a predictable orbit around the Sun and returns approximately every 5.5 years. In 2005, Tempel 1 gained significant attention when the Deep Impact spacecraft collided with it, creating a large crater and allowing scientists to study its composition. This mission provided valuable insights into the structure and materials of comets, enhancing our understanding of the early solar system.