The last time this green comet was this close to Earth was 50,000 years ago., and now it can be seen with the naked eye. The peculiar celestial body is visible in the northern hemisphere from the end of January to the first days of February. So that you don’t miss out on this very rare phenomenon, we tell you which is the best day, time and place to see it from Mexico.
Body C/2022 E3 (ZTF) comes from the fringes of the solar system and is known as “the green comet” for its emerald “tail”. It was discovered by the project Zwicky Transient Facility on March 2, 2022, as explained National Geographic.
“It will be bright by virtue of its close passage to Earth… allowing scientists to do more experiments and people to see a beautiful comet”said Karen Meech, an astronomer at the University of Hawaii, in remarks to Los Angeles Times.
The best day and time to see the green comet
The green comet will be visible to almost the entire northern hemisphere in countries like Mexico, United States, Spain, Venezuela and Colombia.
The body began to be visible from January 26, when it was next to Ursa Minor, but it can be best observed from January 30 to February 5.
It will reach its point of closest approach to the planet (perigee) this February 1 and 2, 2023. As for the time, it is recommended to look northeast from midnight or in the early hours of dawn, between four and five in the morning. Take note: on the SkyLive Online Planetarium platform they guide you to know where to look.
In conclusion, the ideal time to see the green comet is February 1 at 3:27 in the morning (central Mexico time). However, the next opportunity will be just the next day, the Thursday, February 2, at the same timedetails Halftime.
By February 10 it will be close to Mars, a good point of reference to locate it again.
How and where to see the green comet?
The C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be visible without binoculars or telescope, although you may only see a speck in the sky and not appreciate its legendary green tail. If you want to admire it in all its splendor, it is recommended to use one of the mentioned devices.
To see it, with or without a telescope, you need a clear sky, no full moon, and little or no artificial light, like in cities.
Therefore, according to Millenniumthe best place to see the green comet in Mexico is the San Pedro Martir National Park, in Baja California.
Other places where you can see the green kite include:
- Xochicalco, Morelos
- Wirikuta desert, San Luis Potosi
- Pico de Orizaba National Park, Puebla
- El Chico National Park
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.