This year, a comet that was last visible in the sky when Neanderthals inhabited the planet will make a second appearance. On February 2, the C/2022 E3 (ZTF) comet, which circles the sun every 50,000 years and will be visible to the naked eye, will come within 26 million miles of Earth. Telescopes can already see it when the skies are clear.
NASA forecasts that the comet will be at its closest approach to Earth on February 1
Early in March 2022, the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility in California, US, found this comet, designated C/2022 E3 (ZTF).
NASA forecasts that the comet, which has become noticeably brighter, will be at perihelion, or closest approach to the Sun, on January 12 and at closest approach to Earth on February 1. Despite growing closer, it is still difficult to see the comet without a telescope. However, astronomers on December 19 still managed to capture a picture (above) of the greenish comet sweeping across the night sky.
The E3 comet has already been tracked by astronomers, who have discovered a blue-green coma and a golden tail.
Since the Neowise comet in the summer 2020, E3 will be the first comet to shine in the night sky.
Being the third comet to be found in the fifth fortnight of the year gave the E3 comet its name.
Anyone seeking to observe the E3 comet is advised by astronomers to choose a dark location free of ambient light and to give their eyes 30 minutes to acclimatize.
