Natural History Wanderings

EarthSky reports on a first green comet’s first  pass of earth since the time of the wooly mammoths

On February 1 and 2, Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will reach its closest point to Earth (0.29 AU/ 27 million miles/ 44 million km). At that point, it’ll still be more than 100 times the moon’s distance away. With a first quarter moon on January 28, the moon is setting just after midnight.

For those who wish to view the comet around closest approach (perigee), the viewing is better in the morning hours after the moon has set. The comet is on the verge of being visible without optical aid. Try observing from a dark-sky site for your best chance to see it with your eye alone. No luck? You can always use binoculars or a telescope to spot this green visitor from the outer solar system.

Source: EarthSky | Green comet photos and video: Editors’ picks