A great chance to see a green comet reach its closest point to the sun this weekend

The colorful comet, named C/2022 E3 (ZTF), was discovered in March last year while inside Jupiter’s orbit.

This ice ball will approach its closest point to the sun on January 12, according to NASA.

Between the end of this month and the beginning of February, C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will then fly close to our planet, lighting up the night sky for the first time in 50,000 years.

Stargazers will be able to tell the difference between the comet and the stars surrounding it, as it will have a trace of dust following it.

This gas is formed when a comet passes close to the sun, causing a change in the state of the ice.

However, those without specialized equipment should not worry as it may be visible to the naked eye if the sky is dark enough later this month.

However, Pierce Pullin, who discovered the comet last year, “secretly hopes it will disintegrate” because “this is where the science is most interesting”.

If the naked eye can spot this newly discovered comet, it will be the first time since NEOWISE has flown close to Earth in 2020.

Astronomers do not expect Comet C/2022 E3 to visit Earth again for at least another 50,000 years, after it was last visible during the Ice Age.