The comet that stands apart for its bright green glow was discovered in 2022 by astronomers in southern California and named C/2022 E3, according to a statement released by York University in Toronto.
“This one is only here every 50,000 years, so we’re never going to see this specific kind of comet again. So, it’s worth trying to take a look at it if you can,” said York University assistant professor Sarah Rugheimer, the Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy.
According to the university’s statement, the comet will be the closest to Earth, some 42-million kilometres away, on Feb. 1 at 1:11 p.m. EST, but just how bright it will be, no one is quite sure.
“Right now, we have the new moon, so it’s the darkest sky we’ll have for a while, but the comet is kind of at the edge. You won’t be able to see it with your naked eyes…you definitely need good binoculars or a small telescope to see it,” Rughemier said in an interview with AM640, a Corus Entertainment radio station. Corus is the parent company of Global News.
However, it might be possible to view it with the naked eye towards the end of the month in the early morning hours as it gets closer to Earth, she adds.
“It will also depend on light pollution in your area and whether we have clear or cloudy skies,” said Rughemier.
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