When and how could comet ZTF return after 50,000 years with the naked eye?

It had not passed around the Earth since the Paleolithic period, or 50,000 years ago. In fact, Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) takes that long to go around the Sun.

Therefore, it is an exceptional event that will happen in the next few days after its return from the depths of the solar system. Especially since the next pass could happen in 50,000 years unless it is expelled from the solar system.

How was this comet discovered?

The comet was identified by the Palomar Astronomical Observatory in California in March 2022. It takes about 50,000 years to cross the solar system.

The last time it passed close to Earth was during the Paleolithic period.

This is amazing A small orb made of ice It is important for scientists to understand the early solar system but also to understand the composition of the Earth and its water supply.

When can we notice it?

This is amazing Thursday, January 12th The comet will be closest to the Sun and will be 160 million km from Earth.

In the following days it will get closer to our planet to be as close as possible to February 1 next 42 million km.

How do you monitor it?

It is not yet possible to know its luminosity, as it will depend on its passage near the Sun, as reported Science and the future.

The advice of Eric Lagadec, an astrophysicist at the Côte d’Azur Observatory, is as follows: “To have a chance of observing it, you have to look at a clear sky in the north.” Near Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. The best is to be guided by someone who knows little about it and has a telescope.

If it was bright enough, it would be possible to see it with the naked eye. On the other hand, it will be necessary‘Removal mostly lighting sources Like cities and wait The moon is dark.

It is recommended that you try to watch it during the last hours of the night.

As is the new moon Jan 21this date may be the best to observe it.

So with your keen eye or even binoculars to enjoy this event …