Soon we will be able to watch the “Neanderthal comet”

C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is a newly discovered comet that has garnered attention due to its close approach to Earth. This comet is particularly special as it is estimated to be one of the brightest comets in recent years – bright enough to be seen by the naked eye – making it an ideal opportunity for amateur astronomers to observe and study it.

C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is set to make its closest approach to Earth on February 1st, 2023 , at a distance of approximately 42.47 million kilometers. During this time, the comet is expected to be visible from the Northern Hemisphere.

If you want to spot it, have a look right below Ursa Minor. To observe C/2022 E3 (ZTF), you will need a clear sky and a good pair of binoculars or a telescope. The comet will appear as a bright, glowing object with a tail that points away from the sun.

Where should I go to watch it?

It is possible to observe C/2022 E3 (ZTF) from cities, although light pollution can present a challenge for observing the comet. Light pollution refers to the excess artificial light in urban areas that can interfere with observing celestial objects, making them appear fainter and more difficult to see.

If you are in a city with significant light pollution, you may need to observe C/2022 E3 (ZTF) from a location with a clear view of the sky and minimal light interference, such as a park or open space. In these areas, the comet should be visible to the naked eye as a bright, glowing object with a tail, although a pair of binoculars or a telescope may provide a better view.

It is also worth noting that the brightness of the sky, as well as the weather conditions, will affect the visibility of the comet. To get the best view of C/2022 E3 (ZTF), it is recommended to observe it in a location with minimal light pollution and to observe it as close to the time of its closest approach as possible.

In addition to observing the comet through binoculars or a telescope, it is also possible to track the comet’s movement and brightness using online resources. Some popular sites to keep an eye on the comet’s progress include NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Minor Planet Center, and the European Space Agency’s comet watch page.

It is important to note that the visibility of the comet will depend on a number of factors, including your location, the weather conditions, and the brightness of the sky. To get the best view of C/2022 E3 (ZTF), it is recommended to observe it in a location with minimal light pollution and to observe it as close to the time of its closest approach as possible.

Whether you are an experienced astronomer or a beginner, observing C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

C/2022 E3 (ZTF) has been nicknamed the “Neanderthal comet” due to the fact that it’s last approach to Earth was approximately 50,000 years ago, during the time of the Neanderthal population. So maybe the last observers of the comet were indeed the Neanderthals! It is important to note that while the nickname “Neanderthal comet” is intriguing, it is not a scientifically recognized name for the comet, and the formal designation remains C/2022 E3 (ZTF).

The comet also has another nickname: The green comet.

The green color of comets, including C/2022 E3 (ZTF), is caused by the presence of diatomic carbon (C2) in the comet’s coma and tail. The coma is the bright, hazy envelope around the nucleus of the comet, and the tail is the bright, elongated trail of gas and dust that streams away from the coma as the comet moves towards the sun.

When a comet is close to the sun, the heat causes the ices in the nucleus to vaporize, releasing gas and dust into the coma. The diatomic carbon in the coma absorbs sunlight and re-emits it as green light, creating the distinctive green hue. The green light is caused by the vibrational mode of the C2 molecule, which absorbs ultraviolet light and re-emits it in the green part of the spectrum.

In addition to diatomic carbon, other compounds in the coma and tail, such as CO, CO2, and H2O, also contribute to the overall color and brightness of the comet. The exact composition and ratio of these compounds can vary from comet to comet, giving each comet its own unique appearance and spectral signature.

Overall, the green color of comets is a result of the complex interplay between the solar radiation, the composition of the coma and tail, and the physical properties of the gas and dust in the coma.

What if I miss watching C/2022 E3 (ZTF)?

Well, you will for sure have missed it for good:
The last time C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was observable from Earth was about 50 000 years ago, and it will take 50 000 years until it comes back – if it comes back at all! As the exact orbit and history of the comet are still being studied, and comets can have highly elliptical orbits that bring them close to the sun and then send them back into the depths of the solar system, it could well be that it will never return.

The future orbit of C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is currently unknown and will depend on various factors, including the gravitational interactions between the comet and the planets in our solar system.

It is possible that after its close approach to the sun, C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will continue on its current trajectory and leave our planetary system, returning to the depths of the solar system for thousands or even millions of years before its next close approach to the sun.

However, it is also possible that the gravitational interactions with the planets in our solar system will alter the comet’s orbit, bringing it back to the inner solar system for more frequent close approaches in the future.

Without more data and analysis, it is difficult to say with certainty what the future trajectory of C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be. However, the close approach of the comet provides a unique opportunity for astronomers to study its orbit and behavior, helping to better understand the dynamics of comets in our solar system.

 

Posted in Astronomical events, Comets | Comments Off on Soon we will be able to watch the “Neanderthal comet”

The Quadrantids meteor shower

The Quadrantids meteor shower is a relatively short but intense meteor shower that occurs every year in January. The shower is named after the obsolete constellation Quadrans Muralis, which was once used to describe the area of the sky from which the meteors appear to radiate. The Quadrantids are known for producing a high number of meteors, with peak rates of up to 200 meteors per hour. However, the shower is relatively short-lived, with peak activity lasting only a few hours. The Quadrantids are also unique in that they are produced by debris from an asteroid, rather than a comet, as is the case with most other meteor showers. This means that the Quadrantids are made up of rocky rather than icy particles, which can make for more impressive and longer-lasting meteors.

Can I see the Quadrantids meteor shower with the bare eye?

Yes, you can see the Quadrantids meteor shower with the naked eye. In fact, using a telescope or binoculars can actually make it harder to see the meteors, because these instruments have a narrow field of view that can make it difficult to see the entire sky. To see the Quadrantids, all you need is a clear sky and a good viewing location away from city lights. The best time to view the meteor shower is typically around January 4th, when the shower is at its peak. To maximize your chances of seeing the meteors, find a location with a wide-open view of the sky and lie down on a blanket or lawn chair. Look up at the sky and be patient; you may see meteors streaking across the sky at any time. It can also help to give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, as this can make it easier to see the faint meteors.

Are the Quadrantids meteor shower better to see than the Geminids?

It is difficult to say whether the Quadrantids or the Geminids meteor shower is “better” to see, as this can depend on a variety of factors, such as the observer’s location, the weather, and the viewing conditions. Both the Quadrantids and the Geminids are known for producing a high number of meteors, with peak rates of up to 200 meteors per hour for the Quadrantids and up to 120 meteors per hour for the Geminids. However, the Quadrantids are a relatively short-lived shower, with peak activity lasting only a few hours, whereas the Geminids typically produce meteors over a longer period of time. The Geminids are also known for producing bright and colorful meteors, which can be quite spectacular to see. Ultimately, whether one shower is better than the other will depend on personal preference and the conditions on the night of the shower. The Geminids meteor Shower is probably more famous and easier to spot as you don’t have such a narrow time window.

Posted in Astronomical events | Comments Off on The Quadrantids meteor shower

The Geminids Meteor Shower

The Geminids meteor shower is one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year. It typically occurs in December and is named after the constellation Gemini, from which the meteors appear to radiate. The Geminids are known for their bright and colorful meteors, which are often described as looking like shooting stars. The shower is produced by debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the Sun once every 1.4 years. The Geminids are visible from Earth every year in December, and typically peak around December 13-14. The best time to view the meteor shower is usually after midnight, when the constellation Gemini is highest in the sky. To see the Geminids, all you need is a clear sky and a good viewing location away from city lights.

Do I need a telescope to see the Geminids Meteor Shower?

You don’t need a telescope to see the Geminids meteor shower. In fact, using a telescope or binoculars can actually make it harder to see the meteors, because these instruments have a narrow field of view that can make it difficult to see the entire sky. To maximize your chances of seeing the meteors, find a location with a wide-open view of the sky and lie down on a blanket or lawn chair. Look up at the sky and be patient; you may see meteors streaking across the sky at any time.

In which direction do I have to look to see the geminids meteor shower?

The Geminids meteor shower is named after the constellation Gemini, from which the meteors appear to radiate. To see the Geminids, you will need to look in the direction of the constellation Gemini in the night sky. Gemini is a relatively easy constellation to find, as it is one of the brightest and most recognizable constellations in the sky. It is located in the northern hemisphere and can be seen in the eastern sky during the winter months. To find Gemini, look for the constellation Orion, which is one of the most distinctive constellations in the sky. Orion is easy to spot because it contains several bright stars and is shaped like an hourglass. Once you have found Orion, look for the two bright stars that make up the “shoulders” of the constellation. These stars are called Castor and Pollux, and they mark the head of the constellation Gemini. Once you have located Gemini, simply look in that direction to see the Geminids meteor shower.

How do the geminids compare to other meteor showers?

The Geminids meteor shower is one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year. The Geminids are also unique among meteor showers because they are produced by debris from an asteroid, rather than a comet, as is the case with most other meteor showers. This means that the Geminids are made up of rocky rather than icy particles, which can make for more impressive and longer-lasting meteors. In comparison to other meteor showers, the Geminids tend to produce more meteors per hour and have a higher proportion of bright meteors. This makes them a particularly good shower to observe, and they are often considered one of the best meteor showers of the year.

Posted in Astronomical events | Comments Off on The Geminids Meteor Shower

Astronomy Calendar 2018

“The cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be,” said Carl Sagan “We know we are approaching the greatest of mysteries.” The Hubble space telescope has made it possible to perceive this mysterious universe in ways never seen before. Continue reading

Posted in Astronomy Calendar, astronomy pictures, Astrophotography | Comments Off on Astronomy Calendar 2018

Astronomy Calendar 2015

Remote galaxies shimmer from the combined light of billions of stars. They display never ending combinations of forms, not only the well known spiral arms. The night sky has far more to offer than what the bare eye is able to see. The pictures in this calendar were chosen from the best from talented amateur astronomers and also the world’s most powerful scientific telescopes, the magnificent universe is presented in Astronomy 2015 in brilliant high-resolution color. Continue reading

Posted in Astronomy Calendar, astronomy pictures, Astrophotography | Comments Off on Astronomy Calendar 2015

Want to explore the moon?

O.k. I’ll admit it will be hard to tread in Armstrongs footsteps literally – but that does not mean that you can’t play an important role in current moon research. “But I am not a studied astro physician at all”, I hear you say.
Never mind – there are great ways to engage in science for everyone, thanks to the internet.
If you are interested in the moon and want to help the scientific community, take a look at the moon zoo project at

http://www.moonzoo.org/how_to_take_part

In the following video you will learn how to take part in the classification of moon craters:

Posted in astronomy pictures, Moon | Tagged | Comments Off on Want to explore the moon?

Astronomy Calendar 2014

Our imagination is stressed quite a bit if we look up and see nothing but blinking spots on a clear sky. What a wondrous device something like a telescope is – all of a sudden the little dots turn into something magnificent – Galaxies and stars, nebulae, super novas and all the other wonders of the universe become imaginable. Again terence Dickinson has compiled a collection of the finest pictures of the universe’s endless beauty.
Click on the picture and get it now!

With an astronomy calendar you have the perfect gift for introducing kids (well, not only…) to science. Science not only is about boring numbers – it is also about magnificent views that touch everyone.

Posted in Astronomy Calendar, astronomy pictures, Astrophotography | Comments Off on Astronomy Calendar 2014

Earth like planets

Exoplanets (planets of stars other than our own sun) are very exciting for scientists, especially when they are similar to our own earth, because they could teach us a lot about the formation of our planet. Keep reading if you are curious and want to know more about these incredible planets.
Continue reading

Posted in Planets | Tagged , | Comments Off on Earth like planets

Astronomy Calendar 2013

When did you look up to the sky the last time and wondered what a magnitude of objects might be there – hidden to the eye because the vast space between you and them? This calendar has a selection of the finest pictures that give you a glimpse of the beauty the universe has to offer.
Click on the picture and get it now!

Astronomy calendars are a perfect introduction to science and everyone – not only the physics freaks – will immediately recognize the beauty of our universe.

Posted in Astronomy Calendar, astronomy pictures, Astrophotography | Comments Off on Astronomy Calendar 2013

December 13, 14 – Geminids Meteor Shower

To many night sky watchers, the Geminids meteor shower is considered to be one of the most unbelievable meteor showers of all. This is due to the multi-colored meteors that are produced. During the peak of the Geminids Meteor shower, spectators can expect to see up to 60 meteors in one hour. This shower begins on December 6 and runs through December 19, but the best view of the shower will be observed on the nights of December 13 and 14. This year expect to have a night to remember since the new moon gives an assurance of a dark sky. Continue reading

Posted in Astronomical events, Meteor showers | Tagged | Comments Off on December 13, 14 – Geminids Meteor Shower