Categories: Science

How to watch the ‘Green Comet’ as it makes closest approach in 50K years

A green comet shooting through the morning skies is scheduled to make its closest approach to Earth at the beginning of next month. 

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was first spotted in March of last year, when it was already inside Jupiter’s orbit. It’s reportedly making its closest approach in 50,000 years.

NASA has said that it will make its closest approach to our planet on Feb. 2. 

If this comet continues its current trend in brightness, it should be easily visible with a small telescope or binoculars. 

FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN IN SPACE STEPS OUT ON SPACEWALK

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was discovered by astronomers using the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility.
(Dan Bartlett)

The agency noted that it’s “just possible” it could become visible to the unaided eye under dark skies.

MORE THAN 3 BILLION STARS, GALAXIES ARE CAPTURED IN A MASSIVE NEW SURVEY

Exterior view of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on February 28, 2018, in Pasadena, California. 
((Photo by RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty Images))

“If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, use binoculars or a small telescope to find Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), which has been passing through the morning skies all month,” NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory tweeted Friday. 

It will become visible in the Southern Hemisphere in early February. 

On a voyage through the inner Solar System, comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be at perigee, its closest to our planet, on Feb. 2.
(Dan Bartlett)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Skywatchers are advised to check apps for the comet’s position.

On Jan. 21, the comet will reportedly be close to the constellation Draco, according to the New York Times.

Share

Recent Posts

Illegals get more than they bargained for as FBI joins Trump DHS’ criminal alien crackdown: photos

close Video NYC official says 'party is over' for illegal immigrants New York City council…

3 hours ago

Where Trump’s Cabinet nominees stand in Senate confirmation process

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel testified before Senate committees on Capitol…

3 hours ago

Trump VA pick Doug Collins advances to full Senate vote

President Donald Trump's choice to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, passed a…

3 hours ago

Kash Patel vows to end Biden-era ‘targeting’ of Christians: ‘Sacred trust’

President Trump’s FBI director nominee Kash Patel pledged in his confirmation to end the "targeting"…

5 hours ago

Senate confirms Doug Burgum to lead the Department of Interior

The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, former North…

5 hours ago

Top Republican on Senate health committee says he’s ‘struggling’ to confirm RFK Jr

The top Republican on the Senate's chief health committee, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., indicated Thursday…

5 hours ago