Comet ZTF Approaches Earth and Puts on a Show in the Night Sky

Posted: January 11, 2023 2:33 pm

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The year 2023 is setting up to be a great one for stargazers. One event that you do not want to miss is the appearance of a rare green comet that will light up the dark winter sky. Here is what you need to know about this celestial body.

What to Know About Comet ZTF

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was first identified on March 2, 2022 by a group of astronomers at the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) in Southern California. Since that time, the object has become even brighter. Experts are now predicting that the comet may soon become visible to the naked eye, allowing everyone the chance to catch it streaking across the sky.

While the comet is just now being identified, it could have passed through the Earth’s solar system over 10,000 years ago. The comet will come the closest to the sun on January 12 with its journey taking it nearest to Earth on February 1.

Stargazers may remember the excitement surrounding Come NEOWISE in 2020. Although Comet ZTF will not be as bright as NEOWISE, it will still be a fun sight to take in over the next few weeks.

During the initial days of viewing, you can expect the comet to appear as a blurry star with a greenish tint. Depending on weather conditions and light pollution, you may need a pair of binoculars to spot the comet in the sky. This is unlike NEOWISE that was highly visible to the naked eye. There is also the chance that Comet ZTF becomes bright enough to spot easily.

The comet will be visible to people in the Northern Hemisphere during the latter part of the night. Those hoping to catch the comet on January 12 should look for it in the northeastern sky rising at about 1 am local time. ZTF will be most visible in the time just before daybreak as it shines more brightly as the night goes on. It will be positioned between the stars Vega and Arcturus.

Stargazers will find the comet gradually drifting across the sky throughout the rest of January until it approaches the Little Dipper, formally known as the constellation Ursa Minor. This position next to a well-known constellation will make it easier to find Comet ZTF.

Closest Approach to Earth at Beginning of February

The comet will streak past the Earth on its closest approach on February 1. Even at its closest position, ZTF will still be over 26 million miles from Earth. This translates to a distance that is 100 times greater than the position of the moon as it relates to the Earth.

Comet ZTF will be at its peak brightness on the day that it makes its closest approach to the Earth. However, amateur stargazers will likely find it easiest to spot on February 10. This is when the comet will come close to Mars, making it easier to find a starting point when searching for ZTF.

Do not delay in trying to find the comet. ZTF will begin to fade during the second half of February as it begins to move away from the Earth. Even those with a strong telescope will find it more difficult to spot as the month continues.

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