Earth is waiting for the “arrival” of an ancient comet, which was seen by Neanderthals

The heavenly wanderer flew past our planet 50 thousand years ago

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), a kilometer in diameter, will pass at its closest distance from Earth on February 1, and may be visible to the naked eye. However, astronomers have been preparing to observe the tailed guest since Thursday, January 12, when it will pass at a minimum distance from the Sun. Correspondent “MK” learned the details of the upcoming heavenly show.

C / 2022 E3 (ZTF) was discovered by scientists at the Palomar Observatory in California (USA) in March last year when it flew past Jupiter, at a distance of about 640 million km from Earth.

Its orbit is fairly stretched – the most distant point from the Sun is at a distance of 2800 astronomical units. On the last arrival to us, 50 thousand (!) years ago, only Neanderthals, who were actively settling in Europe at that time, and our other distant ancestors, could see it.

Comparing the approaching comet with Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), which was visible in July 2020, and Comet Hale-Bopp (March 1997), we can assume that it will be less visible in the sky, because it has a smaller diameter: one kilometer against five for NEOWISE and 60 (!) for Hale-Bopp. However, astronomers are reassuring: the small size of the current guest is compensated by the fact that it will pass much closer to Earth – only 42 million kilometers.

As astronomer Dmitry Plyasov explained to MK, at the moment of the closest approach of the comet to the Earth, on February 1, the light of the growing moon could theoretically prevent it from being considered. Therefore, professional observers advise observing comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a little earlier – on January 21-22, when the new moon comes, or after the full moon – from February 10. This is best done with binoculars, pointing the lens between the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. The comet can also be seen with the naked eye, if for this purpose you specially go out of town, where there is no bright urban illumination. They promise that the length of the comet’s tail can be as large as the scoop of the Big Dipper.

Currently, it is located at a distance of 160 million kilometers from our planet, and its magnitude is about 10. It will become possible to view it without binoculars and a telescope when it reaches less than the 6th magnitude. There is an assumption that after its visit, the comet will be “forever thrown out of the solar system” and earthlings will never see it again.

Comparison of the three largest comets at their closest approach to the Earth in the last 26 years

Comet Hale-Bopp – flyby March 23, 1997

diameter in diameter – 60 km

magnitude – -0.7

distance to Earth – 196.7 million km

Comet NEOWISE flyby July 23, 2020

diameter – 5 km

magnitude – +1.5

distance to Earth – 103.5 million km

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) – flyby February 1, 2023

diameter – 1 km

magnitude – about + 3–4

distance to the Earth – 42 million km