50,000-Year Return of Green Comet Nears Earth, Unlikely To Be Visible for Millions of Years

This week, the comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is anticipated to make a near approach by Earth, which is a rare and interesting celestial event. According to NASA, this comet hasn’t been seen in millions of years and was last observed around 50,000 years ago, at the period of the Neanderthals. Astronomers utilizing the Zwicky Transient Facility at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory just made the discovery of this comet. It is a long-period comet, and the carbon in the gaseous coma that surrounds its nucleus gives it its green hue.

With binoculars and small telescopes, as well as possible with the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere’s darkest parts, the comet is already visible in the northern night sky. It is anticipated to brighten as it approaches Earth and climbs higher over the horizon, making predawn viewing its ideal time. The comet won’t be visible to Southern Hemisphere skywatchers until the following month. On February 10th, it will be close to Mars, making it easier to see.

Although it is not anticipated that this comet will shine as brightly as well-known comets like Neowise, Hale-Bopp, or Hyakutake, its close proximity to Earth is enabling scientists to conduct more research and allowing the general public to view a stunning comet. Although scientists are confident in their orbital calculations, it is challenging to predict the comet’s exact path since, each time it passes in front of the sun and planets, gravitational forces slightly alter its course. Another element that may affect the comet’s trajectory is the jets of gas and dust that the comet releases when it warms up close to the sun.

The Oort Cloud, a deep-freeze sanctuary for comets that is thought to extend more than one-quarter of the way to the next star, gave rise to this comet, a time capsule from the early solar system 4.5 billion years ago. Scientists are unsure whether it will remain in our solar system, where it originated, and if it is ejected, it will never come back.

In conclusion, the comet C/2022 E3 (ZTFnear )’s flyby of Earth this week is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed. So, if you want to see this lovely and fascinating celestial spectacle, grab your binoculars or telescopes and head outside in the early morning hours.

Video: