[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A once-in-a-liftime comet from the outer solar system will pass by our planet for the first time in 50,000 years. The last time Comet C/2022 E3 was viewable from Earth was reportedly during the Upper Paleolithic or Old Stone Age
An extraordinary extraterrestrial display is expected to take place in the Earth’s sky this January thanks to a newly-discovered comet that will make an appearance for the first time in approximately 50,000 years.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What is a green comet?
Sometimes referred to as ‘cosmic snowballs’, comets orbit the sun and are a combination of frozen gases, dust and rock.
As they soar closer to the sun, they are subject to blasts of radiation, which releases gases and debris. It isn’t the comet itself but the atmosphere surrounding it – known as the ‘coma’ – that glows green as a result. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
When can I see the green comet?
It is expected to get closest to the sun (Thursday January 12). However, according to NASA, the green comet will be at perihelion (the point in its orbit at which it’s closest to the sun) on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. This is also when people in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best view of the come. There could also be another opportunity to look for the green comet on Jan. 21, as that is the next new moon, as per Space.com.
What time will the green comet be visible in the UK?
In the UK, people are advised to get out just before dawn and look towards the north-east horizon in order to catch a glimpse of the flyover.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
