A bright green comet is going to streak across the sky in early February 2023. The last time this comet could be seen from earth, the world was in an ice age, megafauna roamed the land and Neanderthals walked alongside ‘modern’ humans. If you want to see it, read this guide to learn when and where you’ll be able to do so.
When someone says something is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they are usually exaggerating. But when it comes to the upcoming bright green comet (with two tails) soon to grace our skies, it’s legit. To see the C/2022 E3 (ZTF) – as it has been dubbed by experts – you’ll need to direct your eyeballs at the sky at the right time. Some reckon it will be visible to see with the naked eye from Australia, others recommend you use a telescope to see it properly.
Here’s all the information you’ll need to catch this rare appearance (according to scientists, the C/2022 E3 ZTF comet will never return to Earth again).
When will the comet be visible from Australia?
The comet is due to be at its closest to Earth on the 1st or 2nd of February, when it will come within 42 million kilometres of us, making it visible for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time in 50,000 years.
Do you need a telescope to see it?
Short answer: no. Long answer: binoculars or a telescope will help you see it better. According to Bintel.com, even if you are able to spot the comet with your eyes, it will appear as a faint, small fuzzy object. For this reason they say “a much better idea would be to try viewing it with a telescope or even in binoculars.”
How do I maximise my chances of seeing it?
Go somewhere with little light pollution. Take binoculars.
Who discovered the comet?
This comet was discovered by astronomers in California in March 2022. It has come from way out in outer space. It is said to be getting brighter as it gets closer to the sun.
Why is the comet so special?
It’s an incredibly rare occurrence and one that may never happen ever again.
Why is the comet green?
Its bright green colour comes from the ‘dirty snowball’ glow that surrounds it – an effect whereby the sun causes the comet’s old and icy exterior to turn to gas (which we see as green).
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