A recently recorded comet will pass very soon near the earth for the first time in 50,000 years. Its about C/2022 E3 (ZTF)that was seen in our sky when Neanderthals inhabited the planet and, according to some specialists, we could be the last humans to observe it.
NASA astronomers saw it in March 2022 and described its brilliance as “notoriously unpredictable”. Now, highlight that you can be seen in the last days of January and the first days of Februaryand even be observed “a plain sight” when it is at its closest point to Earth, under certain conditions.
A green comet will be seen from Earth for the first time in 50,000 years
Now, the American astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy got a sneak peek of the unique “ice ball” which we will see soon. In the image, she captured the greenish wake and long, shiny tail. “While not as bright as Neowise or Leonard, this comet is still putting on an incredible show“McCarthy said in a post on his social networks.
The photographer also said that he will have to move to the Arizona desert and that getting a good quality image was very difficult, due to the “abnormal wet and foggy conditions“.
On the possibility that it will not pass by Earth again, astronomy Jessica Lee, of Royal Greenwich Observatorydeclared to the medium news week: “Some predictions suggest that the orbit of this comet is so eccentric that it is no longer in orbit, so not coming back at all And it will keep going.”
Meanwhile, Bryce Bolin, who is doing a postdoctoral program at NASA and discovered the comet last year, said that “secretly hope it disintegrates” because “that’s where the most interesting science is” of a comet like this.
why is it green
The C/2022 E3 (ZTF) has an orbit around the Sun passing to the far reaches of the solar systemthat is why it has taken so long to return close to Earth, as published The Planetary Society. The comet has agreenish tail, a short broad dust tail and a long wispy ion tail“.
This star will pass some 26 million miles from Earth (almost 42 million kilometers) -the closest it will be- on February 2. That’s almost 109 times the average distance between our planet and the Moon.
Regarding its color, specialists from the North American Aerospace Agency said that the aura is related to a reactive molecule called dicarbon, that emits green light when broken down by sunlight.
When and how to see the green kite?
According to the information released by NASAin it North Hemisphere the green kite should be visible just before dawn end of January. In the Southern Hemisphere, it will be visible in early February. The moment of closest approach to Earth It will take place between February 1 and 2.
It should be noted that because the new moon can provide darker skies, you’ll be able to see your best between now and February 2.
On the other hand, it was specified that in the first days it is necessary use a telescope to see C/2022 E3 (ZTF), but a measure that is closer to “our home” will be necessary to use binoculars or long sights until finally will be visible a plain view.
To get a better observation, it is advisable to have a clear night and to be away from the lights of the city, with skies as dark as possible. When the Moon is in twilight or below the horizon, the sky will be even blacker and viewing conditions more favorable.
FP/CCM
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