Jan 28, 2023Rare green comet visible from Earth after 50,000 yearsMansi Dua
Once in a lifetime
A rare glowing comet, which was last seen 50,000 years ago is making a trip back to planet Earth.Canva
Close to Earth
The 'green comet' will be just 2.5 light minutes away from the Earth, which is just 27 million miles.Canva
The 'Green Comet'
The comet known as C/2022 E3 (ZTF) orbits the sun every 50,000 years.Canva
Why is it green?
The comet gets its beautiful green glow from diatomic carbon (pairs of carbon atoms that are bound together) that is present in the comet's head.Canva
Visible with the naked eye
NASA said the comet would be visible with telescopes and binoculars, and might even be visible to the naked eye under a clear night sky.Canva
When to see it?
It will be visible from the Indian skies in January end and starting of Feburary. It will be closest to the Earth on Jan 31 and Feb 1.Canva
A yellow tail
As well as the stunning green color, the comet has a yellow dust and faint ion tail.Canva
What are comets?
Comets are frozen rocky or gas-filled objects that are remnants of the formation of the solar system and tend to leave a light behind them due to their path and composition.Canva
How rare is it?
The green comet comes under the category of long-period comets and does not appear easily.Canva
Was seen last month
The comet was first visible last month as well but the glow was not much since it was not as close to the Earth as it is now. As it comes closer to Earth, it will be glowing more and can be seen from the naked eye.Canva