A 'green' comet is on approach for a flyby of Earth

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will pass near Earth on Feb. 1 for the first time in 50,000 years, and could be bright enough to see through telescopes and binoculars.

A comet from the outer solar system is set to buzz Earth on Wednesday and skywatchers have a chance to glimpse the celestial object as it journeys through our cosmic neighborhood for the first time in 50,000 years.

The flyby is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the "green comet," which poses no risk to the planet, before it continues on its far-flung orbit around the sun.

The comet, officially known as C/2022 E3 (ZTF), will make its closest approach to the Earth on Wednesday and could be bright enough to be seen through telescopes and binoculars if conditions are clear.

At its closest approach, the comet will come within 26 million miles of the planet, according to the Adler Planetarium. The last time Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) visited Earth was in the Upper Paleolithic era, during the time of the Neanderthals.

Comets can be tricky to spot in the night sky, but this cosmic interloper has been steadily brightening as it moves through the inner solar system, which should help people catch a glimpse, according to NASA.

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/green-comet-approach-flyby-earth-rcna65202

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