This rare green comet is approaching Earth for the first time in 50,000 years

Comet C/2022 E3 E3 (ZTF), should be visible already through telescopes and possibly binoculars. However, its closest approach will take place between February 1 and 2.

Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF, which was first spotted by astronomers in March 2022It is now at Earth’s closest approach in a remarkable 50,000 years. That’s how long astronomers think it takes for the comet to make a single orbit around the sun — it’s what’s known as a long-period cometA comet with an orbital period greater than 200 years.

It just sped around the sun and reached perihelion (its closest approach towards our star) Jan. 12. Now it is heading towards Earth. However, it is not on a collision course to us. It will approach us closest between February 1st and February 2, at a distance of more than 26,000,000 miles.

However, the comet should be visible already through telescopes and possibly even from space. binoculars, thanks in part due to the fact that the new moon coming up on Jan. 23 — the moon is waning, so it’s creating less light pollution for stargazers. It might even become visible to the naked eye if the comet shines brighter in the days ahead. You will need to be away from all man-made light pollution to see it.

“Observers in Northern Hemispheres will see the comet in their morning sky as it moves quickly toward the northwest in January. It will become visible in February in the Southern Hemisphere.According to a skywatching video NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “This comet won’t be as spectacular as we expected. Comet NEOWISE It was restored in 2020. However, it is still an amazing opportunity to make a personal contact with an icy visitor from outer space.

The glowing green color of this comet is what makes it unique, aside from its long orbital time. Per EarthSky, It could be due a chemical reaction between diatomic carbon molecules. However, we don’t know much about Comet C/2022 E3(ZTF), so astronomers have taken this rare opportunity to study it.

According to Space.com, Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF (ZTF), likely originated in Oort Cloud. It is a vast and mysterious region far beyond the outer reaches our solar system. It may contain millions, billions, and even trillions of icy bodies. Many of these are comets. After rounding the sun, Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is heading back in that direction, and astronomers aren’t sure that the comet will ever return — changes in its orbit could send it flying in another direction, or the comet could break up entirely. Even if it does come back, it wouldn’t do so for another 50,000 years, and chances are you won’t be around to see it then.

You don’t need to be in the best viewing area or have the wrong equipment to view the comet. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a live stream that starts at 11 p.m. EDT on February 1. You can watch it on its website. website Oder YouTube channel.

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