Following the New Wisdom Comet in 2020 and Comet Leonard in 2021, another comet worth looking forward to broke into the public eye. According to astronomical science experts, comet C/2022 E3 is currently "approaching" the Earth, and the mainland public is expected to see this "extraterrestrial visitor" with the naked eye in places with good observation conditions.
Comet C/2022 E3 was first observed by the Zwicky Transient Research Facility in March 2022. Xiu Lipeng, member of the Chinese Astronomical Society and director of the Tianjin Astronomical Society, said that although the comet is not large, it will be closer to the earth. According to the data, in January 2023, comet C/2022 E3 traveled from Corona Peast through the constellations of Shepherds, Draco and Ursa Minor to the constellation of Leopards, and the speed is fast. In December 2022 and January 2023, astrophotographers photographed the comet. Judging from the published photos, the comet is emerald green in color, and its tail is bright and broad.
On February 2, 2023, Comet C/2022 E3 will pass perigee, about 0.28 AU (an average distance from the Sun to Earth, about 150 million kilometers).
"At perigee, comet C/2022 E3 is predicted to shine at magnitude 5, but bright moonlight will affect observations. Interested members of the mainland can take the opportunity to observe during the last week of January. During this time , the comet moves near the North Celestial Pole. For the northern part of the continent, the comet can be observed all night, and the best observation time is from the second half of the night to before dawn. At the beginning of astronomical morning light, the comet is located above the North Star, with the highest horizon and the best observation conditions. When observing, it is best to choose a location without light damage, such as suburbs and mountains. Before observing and shooting, you can use the Astronomical Pass App, mini program or light pollution map to query. The effect of naked eye observation alone will not be too good, be sure to bring binoculars or small astronomical telescopes to see more clearly. Xiu Lipeng said.
Comets are small solar system bodies whose main component is water ice. Most comets are faint and bright enough to be seen with the naked eye
Rarer ones, such as the new Wisdom Comet in 2020. Xiu Lipeng said that comets worth seeing are hard to come by, because there are too many uncertainties, such as the "century comet" ION and the C/2019 Y4 comet, which once attracted the attention of the global public, both of which disintegrated before reaching the "highlight moment", which is regrettable.
"Comet C/2022 E3 is a long-period comet, which is destined to never see it again on Earth in our lifetimes. Whether it is visible to the naked eye or not, whether it becomes the 'brightest star in the night sky', observing or recording a comet that you will only encounter once in a lifetime is an unforgettable experience. Xiu Lipeng said.