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Residents of Denton, Texas, have a rare opportunity to witness a celestial event this week. The C/2022 E3 (ZTF) comet is making its closest pass to Earth since the Stone Age, and it will be visible to the naked eye under the right dark sky conditions.
The comet was discovered by astronomers using the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility in early March of 2022. It has a bright green hue and is expected to reach its closest point to Earth on February 1st, coming within 0.29 AU or 27 million miles of our planet.
The best time for viewing C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be just after sunset when it rises in the east-northeast sky. Astronomers suggest looking for it near the constellation Ursa Major, also known as “the Big Dipper”. The comet should appear as a faint greenish smudge with a tail pointing away from the sun. Binoculars may be needed to get a better view of this rare sight.
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is an exciting event for stargazers in Denton and beyond! Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible celestial show before it’s gone!
- Jan. 25: Visible from 10:50 p.m. until 06:24 a.m.
- Jan. 27: Visible from 6:56 p.m. until 6:24 a.m.
- Jan. 29: Visible from 6:57 p.m. until 6:23 a.m.
- Jan. 31: Visible from 6:59 p.m. until 6:22 a.m.
Sources:
https://www.space.com/comet-c2022-e3-ztf-how-to-see-approach-earth
https://science.nasa.gov/comet-2022-e3-ztf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C/2022_E3_(ZTF)