Comet C/2022 E3, discovered by NASA last March, might be visible to the naked eye during January or early February.
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Observing it over the past few months, NASA noticed that it was getting brighter and brighter. Its visibility will be at its best between January 12, when it passes close to the sun, and February 1, when it will be at its shortest distance from the earth.
Although the brightness of comets is unpredictable, the space agency said in a statement that it might be barely visible to the naked eye this month.
“If it continues its bright trend, it might be easy to see with binoculars and maybe even with the naked eye in dark skies,” said NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory animator Preston. Dyches.
With or without binoculars, it can be observed from the northern hemisphere in January in the morning sky as the star moves northwest.
The comet will also be visible from the southern hemisphere in early February.
“It’s not expected to be as awe-inspiring a sight as Comet Neowise was in 2020, but it’s an opportunity to experience a personal connection with a chilling visitor from the depths of our solar system,” Mr. Dyches continued.
The comet was also seen in the sky more than 10,000 years ago, according to NASA.
After passing near Earth, C/2022 E3 will continue its orbit before passing near the blue planet once more in regarding 6,800 years.
