Comet ZTF is very bright. It will be visible to the naked eye in France, a fairly rare astronomical phenomenon. Here’s how to see it (with a sky map).
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF passes through the solar system. On her way, she visits our planet. Closest to its crossing, it will approach 42 million kilometers from us. But it will only do so once in your lifetime (its last visit dates back to the Palaeolithic, 50,000 years ago). A rare astronomical event, which it is possible to enjoy with the naked eye in France – because ZTF is particularly brilliant.
Where to see Comet ZTF? (with map)
Wherever you can observe the Big Dipper, in the northern hemisphere, you can make out comet ZTF. This therefore concerns all of France. It is in this region of the sky that you will have to look to see it: it will be present between the Little and the Big Dipper.
You can bring a telescope or binoculars to distinguish it better, but it is normally also visible to the naked eye. To do this, it is better to get away from the light pollution of cities that veils the celestial vault. In addition, the sky must be completely clear.
To help you spot ZTF in the night sky, here’s a map of its location around the January 25 date:
When to see Comet ZTF?
Comet ZTF has been visible in the sky since January 20. It is around February 1 and 2 that it will be closest to the Earth (“close” being 42 million kilometers), then it will gradually move away. In fact, the best period is right now: between the end of January and the beginning of February 2023.
Subscribe to Numerama on Google News to not miss any news!