Possible naked-eye comet will visit Earth for 1st time since Neanderthals in 2023

[Admin]

A comet that hasn't visited Earth since the Neanderthals existed during the last ice age is set to blast past Earth in early 2023. The comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) could be so bright it is visible to the naked eye.

Possible naked-eye comet will visit Earth for 1st time since Neanderthals in 2023 : Read more

 

[rod]

Early morning 24-Dec, I did view this comet using my 90-mm refractor telescope. Easy to locate using the Telrad that morning.

Observed 0430-0530 EST. I was able to view ZTF C/2022 E3 this morning using my 90-mm refractor with TeleVue 32-mm plossl and TeleVue 14-mm Delos eyepieces. 31-71x views. Distinct stubby fan shape tail with coma. The star TYC2040-488-1 about 9 arcminute angular separation from the comet and 8.15 apparent magnitude. Starry Night shows the comet 8.59, Stellarium 1.1 shows 8.59 apparent magnitude. These estimates looked good for brightness of C/2022 E3 ZTF.

The comet was in Corona Borealis. If clouds clear up, I may attempt another observation. The January 2023 issue of Sky & Telescope beginning on page 48 has a report for viewing the comet too and position changes coming. Will have to wait and see just how bright this comet gets.

 

[rod]

I plan to view again near 0500 tomorrow morning (Friday) or same time Saturday morning. Perhaps another observation post is coming