If you’re looking at the night sky over the next month and notice a small green light in the sky, don’t panic, aliens haven’t landed.
A rare green comet is expected to pass Earth this week and will be visible in the night sky for nearly a month, according to NASA and astronomers.
This image obtained from the NASA website shows Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) that was discovered by astronomers using the Wide Field Survey Camera at the Zwicky Transitory Facility.
Dan Bartlett/NASA/AFP via Getty Images
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was discovered last March when it was already inside the orbit of Jupiter. It is distinguished by its green glow.
NASA scientists said the comet is expected to approach the sun, or perihelion, on Jan. 12 and be visible to stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere. Those in the southern hemisphere should be able to see the comet in February.
“Comets are notoriously unpredictable, but if this one continues on its current trend of brightness, it will be easy to spot with binoculars, and may become visible to the naked eye under a dark sky,” NASA wrote in its ” What’s up.” Up” earlier this month.
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) passes closest to Earth on February 2, 2023.
NASA
The comet will move northwest over the horizon throughout January and make its closest approach to Earth between February 1 and 2, according to NASA. During that time, the comet will be 26 million miles from the planet, according to astronomers.
The comet will be close to Mars about a week later, according to astronomy charts.