Passing comet to be visible for first time in 50,000 years

SEATTLE – A recently discovered comet will pass by Earth for the first time in 50,000 years, reaching its closest point to Earth on Wednesday, February 1, and Thursday morning, February 2.

At this point, the comet will be within 26 million miles of Earth, and while this may not sound too close to Earth, it will be close enough to make the comet visible to the naked eye. Washington state for a long time. when the weather cooperates.

The comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF), was discovered in early March 2022 by astronomers at the San Diego Palomar Observatory. This comet has been named “Blue Comet” by some because of its green color and the possibility of it getting more attention due to the comet’s slightly larger size.

Read more about C/2022 E3 (ZTF).

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The comet’s green color is caused by the comet’s illumination by the sun and the comet’s molecular structure, including carbon in the gaseous cloud surrounding the nucleus.

Although the Blue Comet is visible to the naked eye in this state, for a better view one can use a home telescope or binoculars to get a better view of the comet that has only one times in life.

Optimal viewing time is just a few hours before dawn, after the moon has set, looking towards the northern sky, best enjoyed without light pollution.

The latest forecast calls for the clouds to break in the pre-dawn hours on Thursday so you can get a chance to watch the comet as it passes by Earth.

For an even better viewing experience, consider heading to the mountains west of Washington or to locations east of the Cascades, where clearer skies are expected.