Rare, Green Comet Passes Earth For the First Time in 50,000 Years

Rare, Green Comet Passes Earth For the First Time in 50,000 Years

Credit: Awareness Act.

Last year, astronomers discovered Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF, which had not been visible until then due to its distance from Earth. However, it is now approaching Earth, and soon it will be making its closest approach in 50,000 years. Astronomers have stated that this will be the only chance to see it in our lifetime.

Discovered in March 2022 at the National Science Foundation’s Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) in California, the comet is rapidly approaching its closest point to Earth, which is set to occur on February 1. Although it can currently be viewed with a telescope, it will be visible to the naked eye on February 1. To see it, one must find a dark area away from light pollution.

The comet

The comet is expected to be bright, and while it can be seen without aid, binoculars or a telescope would greatly enhance the viewing experience. To locate it, astronomers suggest looking towards the area where Mars should be. Comets like this one are rare, and they are not seen often.

Although comets are unpredictable, NASA predicts that this one will be easy to spot with binoculars and might even become visible to the unaided eye under dark skies. The confirmed reports indicate that we will be able to see the comet with our naked eyes. So, get ready to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event and enjoy sky-watching!


Read The Original article on Awareness Act.

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