Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF. on 12 Sept. 2022 as photographed from Italy by The Virtual Telescope Project.
Was a comet responsible for the famous “Star of Bethlehem” or “Christmas Star?” It’s a definite possibility given that Halley’s Comet would have been in the night sky in the year 12 BC, but either way the appearance this holiday season of a brightening comet is good news for stargazers. With a New Moon this week guaranteeing dark skies, that goes double.
However, before you run outside expecting to see a bright streak of light in the night sky, you need to know a few things about Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) if you’re to glimpse it.
Here’s everything you need to know about C/2022 E3 (ZTF):
What is Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)?
It’s a long period comet with a green coma and a yellowish dust tail
Why is it called Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)?
This comet—originally thought to be an asteroid—was discovered on March 2, 2022 in the constellation of Aquila by astronomers using a 48-inch telescope at the Zwicky Transient Facility at Mt. Palomar near San Diego, California. It’s very often used to locate incoming asteroids and comets. The “E3” refers to it being the third comet discovered in the fifth fortnight of the year.
Where is Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)?
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is now in the crescent-shaped constellation of Corona Borealis, the “Northern Crown.” Here’s a useful finder chart for locating C/2022 E3 (ZTF) into 2023.
When and how to see Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
Look low to the northwestern horizon about an hour before sunrise. Although it’s relatively dim (at magnitude 8.2, it’s much dimmer than 2020’s Comet NEOWISE), a pair of 10×50 binoculars used in the northern hemisphere should be able to pick out C/2022 E3 (ZTF). However, in early 2023 it will be visible all night before eventually becoming an evening object.
Will Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) get brighter?
Although it’s fine to have a look now, there’s a very good chance this comet will brighten as it gets closer to its perihelion—its closest point to the sun—on January 12, 2023. So if it looks dim this week, try looking next week. However, it should actually reach its brightest around February 1, 2023—its closest approach to Earth as it swings out of the solar system having looped around the sun.
It’s thought that this comet could reach a brightness of magnitude 5 as it moves into Boötes, Draco and Ursa Minor in early 2023, which would make it a naked-eye object for those under dark skies.
So although it’s tempting to call C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a “Christmas Comet,” perhaps we should instead think of its as a celestial jewel of January.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
