A rare comet, one that only appears every 50,000 years, has finally made its way near Earth.
This comet was first discovered on March 2, 2022 by astronomers using the Zwicky Transient Facility telescope. And though named C/2022 E3, the comet is more known by its nickname, the green comet, by its emitting green glow that shines from space, allowing it to be seen without a telescope or binoculars. But if viewed with a telescope or binoculars, one can see the smaller details of the comet such as its faint tail which is not green.
Contrary to its nickname, the comet is actually not green. The light emitted is by the diatomic carbon from the comet reacting with the sunlight, causing wavelengths of light to surround the comet with a vast light green.
It was reported that the rare comet is 26 million miles from Earth and as previously stated, it orbits the sun every 50,000 years. So the last time the comet appeared was in the stone ages, when Nethanderals could have possibly seen it if they directed their attention to the dark sky.
This once in a lifetime comet will not be seen for another 50,000 years as it will continue its orbit around the sun.
Works Cited
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/green-comet-approach-flyby-earth-rcna65202
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jan/31/what-is-the-green-comet-and-how-can-you-see-it
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