The Spectacular Return of Comet C/2002 E3: A Celestial Encounter
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The Comet's Arrival
The green comet C/2002 E3 (ZTF) is set to be visible to the naked eye, marking its return after an impressive 50,000-year journey through space. The last time it graced our skies, our ancestors shared the planet with Neanderthals.
Discovered in March 2022 during an astronomical survey by the Zwicky Transient Facility at California's Palomar Observatory, C/2002 E3 (ZTF) was initially misidentified as an asteroid. However, a sudden brightness after its encounter with Jupiter revealed its true nature as a comet, making its way into the inner solar system.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory calculated that this comet has an orbital period of 50,000 years, meaning its last visit coincided with an ice age on Earth. At that time, modern humans coexisted with Neanderthals, and the comet would have been visible to both species.
Understanding Perigee
On January 12, 2024, C/2002 E3 (ZTF) reached perihelion, the point in its orbit closest to the Sun, situated about 160 million kilometers away. As it continued its trajectory, it is expected to reach perigee—its nearest point to Earth—on February 2, 2024, at a distance of approximately 42 million kilometers.
The comet is often referred to as the "green comet" due to the unique colors observed in its coma and tail. The green hue is primarily caused by diatomic carbon (C2), which emits a green glow when exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation. Conversely, the tail appears yellowish, as the C2 dissipates after a short period.
Visibility to the Naked Eye
Initially only visible through telescopes, C/2002 E3 (ZTF) may soon be observable without aids. For optimal viewing, it's advisable to be in areas away from city lights. Physicist Thomas Prince from Caltech notes, "The comet will shine brightest when it approaches Earth."
Look for the comet in the morning sky during January and early February as it traverses a northwestern path. According to astrophysicist Nicolas Biver, the latter part of January will be the prime time for northern hemisphere observers, especially around January 21–22, during the new moon phase.
On February 10, the comet will be in proximity to Mars, offering another excellent observation opportunity, although binoculars may enhance visibility.
Exploring Comet Size and Origins
The diameter of C/2002 E3 (ZTF) is approximately one kilometer, significantly smaller than the famed Hale-Bopp comet, which measured about 60 kilometers across during its 1997 flyby. It is believed that this comet originated from the Oort Cloud, a vast region filled with icy bodies located beyond the solar system's outer limits.
What lies ahead for C/2002 E3 (ZTF)? It might not return for another 50,000 years, or it could be ejected from the solar system entirely, making it invisible to future generations.
The Webb Telescope is currently observing the comet, not to capture images, but to analyze its chemical composition. This study is facilitated by the evaporation of the comet's outer layers as it nears the Sun, allowing scientists to understand its materials better.
The video titled "Last seen by the Neanderthals: 'Green comet' observed by astronomers in Greece" discusses the historical context and significance of this celestial event.
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