Astronomers and stargazers are all set to be treated with a strange and equally unique celestial event when Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be finally visible in the skies above Earth. The celestial body will be closed to Earth on February 1, making it visible to the world including almost every state of India.
The comet is known to have a characteristic greenish tinge around its nucleus and a tadpole-type tail that extends millions of kilometres in open space. The comet will come into the Earth’s skies and is currently on an outbound journey to the edge of the solar system.
The comet will be just 42 million kilometres away from Earth’s surface which is a very small distance on the cosmic scale, reports India Today.
The comet’s 50,000-year-long orbit around the Sun makes it one of the most unique factors. According to the reports it was last seen by Neanderthals who roamed the planet, and modern humans were yet to evolve.
Where To Watch The Green Comet
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be visible from Earth on February 1, when it will come within 0.28 astronomical units of our planet, or about 41 kilometres away. As per the online astronomy guide, the comet will be visible from New Delhi throughout the night of February 1 because it is circumpolar, meaning it will be above the horizon throughout the night.
The comet is expected to be at the highest point of the sky at 10:12 PM on February 12, when it will be situated at about 45 degrees above the northern horizon. You can possibly view the comet with your naked eye, using a pair of binoculars or a telescope would just improve your view of the comet.
How To Watch The Green Comet
Try to get yourself away from the city lights in a quiet and dark place where you can observe the comet away from the light pollution of the city. Allow your eyes to acclimatise to the dark surroundings. After that, use an AR-based mobile application that can help you spot the constellation Camelopardalis, which is where you can find the comet.
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