Colorado skies are a fantastic thing, thanks to our jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets and how pristinely clear they always seem to be. While our “average” skies are exciting enough on their own, they are about to become even more incredible, as for the first time since the Stone Age, green comets will be crossing our nighttime skies:
Slated to take place February 2nd, 2023, is the once-in-a-lifetime sighting of the green comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF).
Flickr/Judy Schmidt
For the first time in an estimated 50,000+ years, the green comet will “only” be 26 million miles away, making it visible to the naked eye.
Flickr/horstm42 In the meantime, stargazers may be able to spot this rare phenomenon, as it has already started getting closer to earth.
To put its significance into perspective, the last time humans would have seen the green comet was in the time of the Neanderthals.
Wikimedia Commons/Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann
As its name suggests, the green comet should be bright green, although it is hard for scientists to say just how bright and vibrant it will be.
Flickr/Stephen Rahn
According to NASA, the comet should be visible in the pre-dawn skies just below the horizon.
Flickr/European Southern Observatory
Please note: While you should be able to see the comet with the naked eye, experts recommend viewing it with a telescope or binoculars.
Flickr/Edith Soto
To learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, please visit Future US’ website.
Flickr/theilr
Do you have a favorite event, restaurant, or attraction that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Tell us about it here! If you are looking for the perfect place to view the green comet and other astronomical events, you will want to check out This Year-Round Campground In Colorado Is One Of America’s Most Incredible Sky Parks.
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Address: Colorado, USA
Slated to take place February 2nd, 2023, is the once-in-a-lifetime sighting of the green comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF).
Flickr/Judy Schmidt
For the first time in an estimated 50,000+ years, the green comet will “only” be 26 million miles away, making it visible to the naked eye.
Flickr/horstm42 In the meantime, stargazers may be able to spot this rare phenomenon, as it has already started getting closer to earth.
To put its significance into perspective, the last time humans would have seen the green comet was in the time of the Neanderthals.
Wikimedia Commons/Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann
As its name suggests, the green comet should be bright green, although it is hard for scientists to say just how bright and vibrant it will be.
Flickr/Stephen Rahn
According to NASA, the comet should be visible in the pre-dawn skies just below the horizon.
Flickr/European Southern Observatory
Please note: While you should be able to see the comet with the naked eye, experts recommend viewing it with a telescope or binoculars.
Flickr/Edith Soto
To learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, please visit Future US’ website.
Flickr/theilr
Do you have a favorite event, restaurant, or attraction that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Tell us about it here! If you are looking for the perfect place to view the green comet and other astronomical events, you will want to check out This Year-Round Campground In Colorado Is One Of America’s Most Incredible Sky Parks.
Flickr/Judy Schmidt
Flickr/horstm42
In the meantime, stargazers may be able to spot this rare phenomenon, as it has already started getting closer to earth.
Wikimedia Commons/Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann
Flickr/Stephen Rahn
Flickr/European Southern Observatory
Flickr/Edith Soto
Flickr/theilr