A Rare Green Comet Is Passing by Earth: Here's When and How to Spot It

Trust us, you are not going to want to miss this!

Remember that rare green comet that was spottable from Earth on Jan. 12 for the first time in approximately 50,000 years? Well, fortunately for stargazers, it’s making its way toward our planet and will be viewable once again!

Therefore, if you’d like something in common with Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, you’re going to want to head outside and point your eyes to the night sky. Furthermore, C/2022 E3 has an enticing draw in comparison to other comets.

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Now, as C/2022 E3 makes its way towards perigee (its closest point to Earth) on Feb. 1, keep scrolling for when and how to catch a glimpse.

When was Comet C/2022 E3 discovered?

In March 2022, C/2022 E3 was detected — but interestingly, the comet wasoriginally identified as an asteroid. Ultimately, its true cometary nature was detected due to its rapid brightening as it moved from the inner orbit of Jupiter through the Solar System.

When will Comet C/2022 E3 be viewable from Earth?

Comet C/2022 E3 was first viewable from Earth when it reached perihelion (its closest point to the Sun) on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. Now, stargazers should point their eyes to the sky again as it reaches perigee (its closest point to the Earth) on Wednesday, Feb. 1 — and the days that follow,as it heads back into the galaxy.

When the comet nears the bright star Capella in the Auriga constellation, it should be viewable from Earth on Sunday Feb. 5. When it makes its way near Mars in the Taurus constellation, it should be spottable between Feb. 9 and Feb. 13, according to Space.com.

Where will Comet C/2022 E3 appear in the sky?

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The Comet C/2022 E3 has been passing through the northern constellation Corona Borealis since first being discovered, according to NASA — but as it made its way closer to the Sun, NASA noted it would move northwest throughout January. As for the Southern Hemisphere, the comet would become visible for skywatchers in early February 2023,as it continued its voyage towards Earth.

Tonight, the comet is expected to be viewable with the naked eye as it reaches its closet point to Earth (despite its “closest point” being around 26 million miles from our planet). Although, its brightness is unpredictable — therefore, binoculars and telescopes are suggested to better guarantee a glimpse of the fantastic phenomenon.

Don’t have the proper equipment? Have no fear! The Virtual Telescope Project will be hosting a free livestream of the display at 11:00 p.m. EST on Feb. 1 on theproject’s websiteor on itsYouTube channel.

What will Comet C/2022 E3 look like?

If spotted, the comet is expected to take on acircular cloud-like shape with a brighter centerand a faint dust tail — in comparison to other comets, which tend to be brighter and more elongated. But, just like any celestial spectacle, the moon plays a large role in the comet’s visibility.

Since themoon was in its full phase on Jan. 7, its illumination (and cloudy conditions)hindered views of the cometlast month — but since it entered its new moon phase on Jan. 21, ideal dark skies needed to spot C/2022 E3 are expected to be provided.

source: people.com