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.
