A rare comet approaches Earth – first time since Neanderthals
- January 3, 2023
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Earlier this year, rare comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will pass near Earth for the first time since Neanderthals. This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to Space.com. As
Earlier this year, rare comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will pass near Earth for the first time since Neanderthals.
This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to Space.com.
As mentioned, the comet is currently transiting through the interior of the solar system. It will make its closest approach on January 12, and then pass by Earth and make its closest approach to our planet between February 1 and February 2, 2023.
The publication writes that if C/2022 E3 (ZTF) continues to glow as it does now, it will be visible to the naked eye in the dark sky. Generally, it will be possible to observe with binoculars or a telescope when passing near Earth.
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to spot the comet in the morning sky as it moves northwestward throughout January, according to NASA. C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be visible to observers in the Southern Hemisphere in early February 2023.
The comet is about 50,000 years old, according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This means that the last time it came close to our planet was during the Upper Paleolithic period on Earth. So, the last humans to spot this comet were early Homo Sapiens, who lived during the last ice age.
Source: Ukrinform
I’m Maurice Knox, a professional news writer with a focus on science. I work for Div Bracket. My articles cover everything from the latest scientific breakthroughs to advances in technology and medicine. I have a passion for understanding the world around us and helping people stay informed about important developments in science and beyond.
