50,000-year-old comet to become visible throughout January

From now through February, it is expected to become brighter and more visible in the morning sky.

News 12 Staff

Jan 16, 2023, 3:48 PM

Updated 633 days ago

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A comet last seen 50,000 years ago is making an appearance once again.
The comet is known as Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), or ZTF E3 for short. It was discovered back in March of 2022 by South Californian astronomers Frank Masci and Bryce Bolin.
At that time, the comet was out near Jupiter's orbit but it was extremely dim. However, from now through February, it is expected to become brighter and more visible in the morning sky.
The brightness of the comet is predicted to increase as it makes its closest approach to earth on Feb. 1 at just 28 million miles.
It is currently seen during the pre-dawn hours, but it may become possible to see it at night in during a dark moonless sky next month.