Rare Green Comet Will Be Closest To Earth Tonight, First Time In 50,000 Years
NDTV
Finding a remote location to avoid light pollution in populated areas is key to catching a nice view of the comet.
A green-hued comet is expected to be visible to stargazers tonight for the first time in about 50,000 years. It will make its closest approach to Earth since the age of the Neanderthals. The comet named C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will come within 26 million miles (42 million kilometres) of Earth on Wednesday before speeding away again, unlikely to return for millions of years.
According to EarthSky, the comet has been brightening the night sky since January and will pass between the orbits of Mars and Earth. It will travel at a speed of 128,500 mph (207,000 km/h).
The comet was first spotted in March last year by astronomers through the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility. It was in Jupiter's orbit at the time and has grown brighter since then.
NASA plans to observe the comet with its James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which could provide clues about the solar system's formation.
