Comet C/2022 E3: How to Watch the Rare, Green Space Rock that Only Flyby Every 50,000 Years

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 13 January 2023, 11:01 pm

Comet C/2022 E3, otherwise known as Comet 2022 E3, is making a flyby to the planet at the start of next month, and it is only a couple of weeks away before it finally arrives and shows itself to humans. One of its most unique characteristics is its greenish hue, which leaves the same color on its trail, that provides a different sight to see in the skies.

Additionally, this comet only returns for a flyby to the Earth every 50,000 years, and this is a rare opportunity to see this 2023, until its next visit.

Comet C/2022 E3: When is It Coming?

(Photo : NASA/Dan Bartlett)

Comet C/2022 E3 is coming this February 1, and it will pass by the planet for all to see, along with its bright, greenish hue and long trail. According to Live Science, the last appearance of the comet was during the stone age, which was 50 millennia ago, and this was something that early humans have not fully appreciated as they do not have the applicable tech to see it.

Now, humans already have modern equipment for them to use in awaiting its grand return, with initial speculations that the comet may not return.

However, the odds were in humans' favor now, and they are given the chance to see it again, especially as it graces the dark space for its peak next month.

There are other times to view the comet too, and not only in February. On Thursday, January 12, Comet 2022 E3 reached perihelion or its closest point to the Sun. People may now spot this until it peaks in February.

How to Watch Comet 2022 E3

According to Interesting Engineering, Comet 2022 E3 would be best seen by skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the Corona Borealis region in the western part of the skies.

From now until the end of January, the public needs a telescope to view it and catch its trail. However, according to NASA, by February 1, it may be visible to the naked eye.

Space Events in 2023

Like every new year, annual cosmic shows are coming for the world to see, alongside the rare ones that may only come once after a set of specific years. One of the earliest to arrive this year is the ongoing Quadrantids meteor shower which started last December 26, 2022, and is set to appear in the skies until Tuesday, January 16.

Another space event to look forward to this 2023 is the upcoming orbital launch of the famous Starship Mars spacecraft from SpaceX, a highly-reusable rocket for future long missions. The Stainless Steel second-stage rocket was stacked atop the company's Super Heavy Booster last week, using its catcher, the giant chopsticks known as the Mechazilla.

There are more to look forward to for this year, and space is something that is easily traversed by different agencies and companies who want to make it accessible for all. For a rare and limited appearance only, there is a special treat for all skywatchers this February, particularly with Comet 2022 E3's upcoming flyby that is not something to miss.