Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), also known as the Green Comet, will make its closest approach to Earth on February 1, 2023. It is expected to be visible to the naked eye in dark skies, and binoculars or a telescope will enhance the viewing experience.
Observing the Comet in New Zealand
The Green Comet will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere from mid-January to early February, and in the Southern Hemisphere from late January to early March. In New Zealand, the comet will be best visible in the early hours of the morning, just before sunrise.
To observe the comet, find a location with dark skies and minimal light pollution. Use binoculars or a telescope to locate the comet, which will appear as a faint, fuzzy patch of light.
Visibility and Timing
- January 26-27: The comet will be visible low in the northeastern sky, near the constellation Camelopardalis.
- January 28-29: The comet will move closer to the constellation Auriga.
- February 1: The comet will make its closest approach to Earth, passing about 42 million kilometers away. It will be visible in the constellation Taurus, near the star Aldebaran.
- February 2-3: The comet will remain visible in the constellation Taurus, but will start to fade gradually.
- February 4-5: The comet will move into the constellation Gemini and become increasingly difficult to see.
Additional Information
- The Green Comet was discovered in March 2022 by the Zwicky Transient Facility in California.
- It is estimated to have an orbital period of approximately 50,000 years, meaning the last time it was visible from Earth was during the Stone Age.
- The comet’s distinctive green color is caused by the presence of diatomic carbon molecules.
- While the comet is not expected to be as bright as the Great Comet of 1843, it is still a unique and exciting opportunity to observe a celestial visitor.
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Please search for “comet tonight nz” which is rapidly rising on Google Trends NZ and explain in detail. Answers should be in English.
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