Astronomers will have the chance to see the green comet, called C/2022 E3 (ZTF), for the first time in 50,000 years, in the coming weeks, as it makes its closest approach to the Sun on Jan. 12, according to NASA.
Between the end of this month and the beginning of February, the green comet will pass by our planet to light up the night sky for the first time in 50,000 years. It may be visible to the naked eye if the sky is dark enough.
Stargazers will be able to distinguish between the comet and the stars that surround it, as it will have a trail of dust following it, and it forms as it passes close to the sun, causing a change in the state of the ice.
Comets are notoriously unpredictable, but the green comet’s brightness, depending on its current direction, made it easier to spot.
NASA spotted the colorful comet in March of last year while it was inside the orbit of Jupiter.
