The green comet becomes visible to the naked eye: when and how to find it in the sky

Science and Technology

26/01/2023

Updated: 27/01/2023

By Nation World News Desk

Astronomers and amateurs are already capturing the comet, which will soon approach its closest point to Earth.

The impressive green comet, whose official name is C/2022 E3 (ZTF)has begun to be seen with the naked eye, according to most recent reports, Until a few days ago, the space object was captured only by binoculars and telescopes; However, as it comes closer to the Earth, its brightness increases significantly.

It will be visible in both the Northern Hemisphere (Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Colombia, etc.), as well as Ecuador and the Southern Hemisphere (Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, etc.). Without any doubt it is one of the most important astronomical events of 2023.

“Comet ZTF no longer requires a telescope for viewing,” NASA said in a description of a long-exposure photo taken on January 19, which shows the object as a green star in the sky.

The 'Green Comet' Captured Over Salamanca, Spain. Photo: Oscar Martin Masonero

The ‘Green Comet’ captured over Salamanca, Spain. Photo: Oscar Martin Masonero

A comet is zipping through our cosmic neighborhood for the first time in 50,000 years, so astronomers and space buffs don’t want to miss the chance to pass by.

What is a comet and why is it green?

Comets are cold objects made of frozen dust, rock, and gases that orbit in distant regions of the Solar System. However, they are sometimes drawn towards the Sun. When this happens, the heat of the star slowly evaporates them, so they develop a cloud around them, called a coma, and a tail.

The color of its glow depends on the gases present in the icy body. In the case of Comet ZTF, it glows green because it diatomic carbon Absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

In this composition you can see how the green comet continues to increase in brightness from December 30, 2022, to January 24, 2023. Photo: Twitter/Brennan Gilmore

What do we know about Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)?

The comet got the name C/2022 E3 (ZTF) because it was discovered last March with a telescope of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) astronomical project in California, United States. At that time, it was transiting Jupiter. To revolve around.

Analysis of its trajectory indicated that it came from the Oort cloud, a layer that surrounds the Solar System, composed primarily of these icy bodies and located so far away that it could be reached by the Voyager spacecraft in only 300 years. Will be able to go

Its extremely long orbit causes it to return after 50,000 years and that, presumably, after this ‘visit’ it will be lost forever in interstellar space.

The position of Comet C/2022 E3 at its closest approach to Earth. Image: Skylive

How bright will it be? How can we catch it?

Since its discovery, this green comet has increased in brightness significantly, so much so that astronomers speculate that, on these dates, it may be visible without the aid of instruments. So far, these predictions have not been wrong.

After its closest approach to the Sun, on 12 January, the comet continued to ‘ignite’ as it approached Earth. The closest step to our planet (perigee) will be February 2, when it is located 42 million kilometers away. Hence, the weeks around that date are expected to provide us with the best visibility.

However, it can only be captured in dark skies. i.e. clear, without light pollution or moonlight. The comet will appear as a diffused spot in the sky. Less experienced observers may need to use binoculars.

When will the green comet be seen? What time to check?

While the ZTF comet is visible from now until mid-February. There will be two different times to watch it.

From 20 to 31 January, in the Northern Hemisphere and equatorial latitudes. From 4.00 a.m. to 5.30 a.m. the new moon and the crescent moon will not hinder observation during this period.
February 1st to February 10th, in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. From 45 minutes to three hours after sunset. The full moon will make observing difficult in the first few days, but, from 6 FebruaryThe satellite would appear later and later, so that timing could be used.

Where to look to find comets?

Before dawn, observing the comet in the Northern Hemisphere. Image: Royal Astronomical Observatory of Madrid

In January (Morning period): Look north to the left of the constellation Hercules. In the coming days, it will pass through Draco and Ursa Minor constellations.

Observations of the comet from the Southern Hemisphere (by February). Image: Planetarium

in February (evening tense): look towards Nort, Initially it will be visible close to the horizon, to the right of the Giraffe constellation (Camelopardalis). In the following days, it will rise into the constellation Auriga and higher.

Nation World News Desk https://nationworldnews.com

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