Comet “C/2022 E3 (ZTF)” was discovered in March last year by astronomers at the Palomar Observatory located at Caltech University in San Diego, USA.
The comet’s orbit goes along the outer part of the solar system and around the sun. The journey all the way around is long. It was 50,000 years ago that the comet last passed the Earth – but now it’s time again.
On January 12, the comet will be closest to the Sun. Space enthusiasts in the northern hemisphere using telescopes or binoculars are expected to be able to see the comet around midnight. According to the site Earthsky, you should aim your gaze low towards the northeastern horizon.
Even after January 12, under the right conditions, the comet can still be seen. However, if you are in the southern hemisphere, you have to wait until the beginning of February.
Called the “Green Comet”
Between February 1 and 2, the comet will be closest to Earth, more precisely 42 million kilometers from here. When it approaches, under the right conditions you should be able to see it with the naked eye in the vicinity of the bright pole star.
Even on February 10, the chances should be good. Then it is very close to the planet Mars.
“C/2022 E3 (ZTF)” is also called the “green comet”. It is icy, but as it approaches the sun, parts of it melt and gasify. Then a so-called “coma” is formed around the comet consisting of ice and dust. In this case, the comma lights up in green.
The coma also makes the comet look a bit blurry. To be able to distinguish it from a star, you can check the “tail” that comes out of the comet. The tail is caused by the sun sending out particles that “grind” the comet and cause material from it to blow backwards.
READ ALSO: Gearing up to defend Sweden in space
READ ALSO: Departure is approaching for the space traveler Mats
READ ALSO: Super telescopes top the list of this year’s breakthroughs
READ ALSO: Comets, meteors, blood moons and other celestial phenomena in 2023
Do you want to know more about how GP works with quality journalism? Read our ethical rules here.
