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

Retired Georgia news anchor falls into ravine, rescued by helicopter in elaborate rescue: report

close Video Rescuers at Colorado's Winter Park Resort save passengers trapped in gondola More than…

4 hours ago

NYC stabbing: Man arrested in connection to unprovoked attack at Grand Central on Christmas Eve

close Video Suspect arrested in unprovoked attack at Grand Central subway station NYPD confirmed that…

4 hours ago

Zelenskyy lambastes Putin over Christmas strikes: ‘What could be more inhumane?’

close Video Trump rips Biden administration's 'stupid' foreign policy decisions on Ukraine, Afghanistan President-elect Trump…

6 hours ago

New York City taxi cab plows into group of pedestrians on Christmas Day, leaves at least 6 injured

close Video NYC taxi smashes into pedestrians on Christmas Day At least six people were…

7 hours ago

Body found in wheel well of United Airlines Christmas Eve flight from Chicago to Maui

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for December 25 Fox News Flash top headlines…

7 hours ago

Trump picks Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera for Panama ambassador

President-elect Trump picked Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama.…

7 hours ago