A green comet called C/2022 E3 (ZTF), or Comet ZTF for short, is nearing its closest approach to Earth for the first time since the ice age.
's green-glowing properties since 1930, it's only in 2021 that we discovered its final secret. Here's how.
A comet is essentially a galactic snowball – it's a body made of ice and dust. As it approaches the Sun, the heat turns the ice into gas creating an atmosphere around the comet called the coma. As that atmosphere is bombarded with radiation from the Sun, the carbon-based molecules in the cloud are torn apart to create CWhat that means is that the molecule can absorb some of the light from the sun, in the form of a photon, to put it in an excited state.
But the Universe likes order, so the molecule will do everything it can to return to its neutral state. To do so, it lets off the photon to release some of the energy from the light, aAnother green comet, called ISON, passed Earth in 2013. Physicists have been well aware of the mechanism behind the green glow for almost a century. But it was only in 2021 that a team, led by Schmidt,
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Comet Interceptor probe could visit a stunning object like the green C/2022 E3 (ZTF)Meghan is a senior writer at Space.com and has more than five years' experience as a science journalist based in New York City. She joined Space.com in July 2018, with previous writing published in outlets including Newsweek and Audubon. Meghan earned an MA in science journalism from New York University and a BA in classics from Georgetown University, and in her free time she enjoys reading and visiting museums. Follow her on Twitter at meghanbartels.
Read more »
Watch a green comet make its first Earth approach in 50,000 years with this free webcastThe comet should remain visible throughout the month and may be visible to the naked eye as a faint green glow in dark sky locations.
Read more »
Explainer: What to expect during the green comet's encounter with EarthA green-hued comet that has been lurking in the night sky for months is expected to be the most visible to stargazers this week as it gradually passes Earth for the first time in about 50,000 years.
Read more »
Green comet will swing by Earth for the first time in 50,000 years | CNNA recently discovered comet will soon swing by Earth for the first time in 50,000 years. The green comet will make its closest approach between February 1 and 2.
Read more »
How to See the Rare Green Comet That Is Passing By EarthA rare green comet that last zipped through our part of the inner solar system 50,000 years ago is heading back
Read more »
‘Green Comet' Will Reach Its Brightest Point This Week as it Nears EarthScientists are encouraging residents of the Chicago area to look toward the skies this week for a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, as a comet will make its closest approach to Earth in its orbit.
Read more »