A recently discovered comet will make its closest approach to Earth this week. Skygazers can see the comet, named ZTF (C/2022 E3), with the help of good binoculars or a telescope. Comet ZTF will be found between the Big Dipper and Little Dipper in the northern sky during the last nights of January. The best times to catch a glimpse of the comet are in the early morning hours after the moonset, according to Cambridge-based company Sky and Telescope. Contrary to many reports, the comet won’t be for most people, according to the head of Sky and Telescope appearing green editor Kelly Beatty. “Our eyes aren’t good at seeing color at night,” Beatty said, adding, “A green hue is not uncommon in comets.” Beatty warns night sky viewers not to set their expectations too high when attempting to view Comet ZTF . “Strong moonlight and light pollution will be ‘comet killers’ because the comet is just a fuzzy sphere,” Beatty said. 3-5 Then the best viewing times are after sunset, before the moon rises, between February 2nd and 3rd. 6-22. Video below: line of light in the sky over Mass. Video below: Launch of the new immersive exhibit, Adventures in Space Video below: Meet an MIT astrophysicist who gets to use the Webb telescope
A recently discovered comet will make its closest approach to Earth this week. Skygazers can see the comet, named ZTF (C/2022 E3), with the help of good binoculars or a telescope.
Comet ZTF will be between the Big Dipper and Little Dipper in the northern sky during the last nights of January. The best times to catch a glimpse of the comet are in the early morning hours after the moonset, according to Cambridge sky and telescope.
Contrary to many reports, the comet will not appear green to most people, according to Kelly Beatty, editor-in-chief of Sky and Telescope.
“Our eyes aren’t good at seeing color at night,” Beatty said, adding, “A green hue isn’t uncommon in comets.”
Beatty warns night sky viewers not to set their expectations too high when attempting to watch Comet ZTF.
“Strong moonlight and light pollution will be ‘comet killers’ because the comet is just a fuzzy ball,” Beatty said.
The bright moon will interfere with the observation if the moon rises between March 2nd and 5th. Then the best viewing times are after sunset, before the moon rises, between February 2nd and 3rd. 6-22.
Video below: line of light in the sky over Mass.
Video below: Launch of the new immersive exhibition Adventures in Space.
Video below: Meet the MIT astrophysicist who gets to use the Webb telescope
