A comet with a greenish glow will make its closest approach to Earth since the age of the Neanderthals tonight (Feb. 1 to 2), and if you look in the right place at the right time, you might be able to spot it.
The comet, known as C/2022 E3 (ZTF), will come within 26.4 million miles (42.8 million kilometers) of our planet, its closest approach in about 50,000 years, according to EarthSky(opens in new tab). The comet has been brightening in the night sky since January and will pass between the orbits of Mars and Earth over the next couple of nights, traveling at around 128,500 mph (207,000 km/h).
Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere who have a clear view of the night sky away from significant light pollution will be able to spot the comet without a telescope. If you’re unable to get to a place with clear skies, however, you can still catch the action by tuning into the Virtual Telescope Project’s livestream of the event, which will start at 11 p.m. EST.
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