A Comet That Hasn't Been Seen In 50,000 Years Will Streak Across The Arizona Sky This February
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 26, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Eyes to the sky! A once-in-a-lifetime celestial event is about to occur, and we have a front-row seat. On the first two days of February, a rare comet in Arizona will streak across the evening sky. It hasn’t been seen in 50,000 years, and may never pass by Earth again! Here’s everything you need to know about viewing Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF).
Spotted by astronomers fairly recently in March 2022, Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is slated to make its closest approach to Earth in approximately 50,000 years this February.
That is how long the comet takes to complete a single orbit around the sun - it's what is known as a long-period comet, meaning it has an orbital period of greater than 200 years.
While the comet has already been visible for several weeks, it will pass closest to our planet on February 1 and 2. At that point, it will still be an astonishing 26 million light years away from us!
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is thought to have originated in the Oort Cloud, a vast region far beyond our solar system that is home to numerous other icy celestial bodies (many of which are likely comets).
If you'd like to spot the comet for yourself, head outside just after sunset and gaze northward. You should see a faint green glow streaking across the sky - special equipment such as binoculars is not necessary, however, it does help, especially if you live in an area with heavy light pollution.
Please note: this is not an actual image of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF); it is for illustrative purposes only.
The comet will appear near the constellation Camelopardalis. After that, it will begin heading back to the mysterious Oort Cloud to begin another 50,000-year journey.
Although Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) should, theoretically, grace the skies of the earth in another 50,000 years, astronomers are not sure that will actually happen. Between now and then, its orbit could change, or it could even break up completely.
Regardless, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for all earthlings.
For more information about viewing Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), please visit Space.com.
Have you seen this rare comet in Arizona yet? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn some of the best places to go stargazing in Arizona.
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