Green comet will be visible as it passes by Earth for first time in 50,000 years

.

Approaching Comet
This photo provided by Dan Bartlett shows comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) on Dec. 19, 2022. It last visited during Neanderthal times, according to NASA. It is expected to come within 26 million miles (42 million kilometers) of Earth on Feb. 1, 2023, before speeding away again, unlikely to return for millions of years. (Dan Bartlett via AP) Dan Bartlett/AP

Green comet will be visible as it passes by Earth for first time in 50,000 years

Video Embed

A green comet will be visible in the sky Wednesday evening as it passes by Earth for the first time in thousands of years.

The comet, named C/2022 E3 (ZTF), will make its closest approach to Earth on Wednesday or Thursday, according to NASA.

NASA’S ARTEMIS PROGRAM WORKS TO AVOID REPEATING PAST LAUNCH DISASTERS

First sighted by NASA in March 2022, the comet emits a green hue and recently made its closest approach to the sun on Jan. 12.

Scientists estimate the comet was last visible in Earth’s sky roughly 50,000 years ago, during the Stone Age. When it makes its approach toward Earth it will be roughly 27 million miles away, per EarthSky.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The comet will be most visible in the Northern Hemisphere with the naked eye, but binoculars and telescopes will likely be the best option for viewing.

After passing Earth, the comet is set to make its closest approach to Mars on Feb. 10. The next time the comet will be visible from Earth will be in approximately 50,000 years.

© 2023 Washington Examiner

Related Content