Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 57 minutes ago
The green comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) really is something else. We’ve put together some of our favorite photos from astrophotographers around the world and music by @sleepingatlast.
It’s a comet that was only discovered a few months ago from an observatory in California while it was just inside the orbit of Jupiter, about 643 million kilometers away from the sun. Originally thought to be an asteroid, as it approached the sun, the comet began to emit its coma- the cloud of dust and ice surrounding its nucleus.
The green color is likely due to the presence of diatomic carbon, chiefly around the comet's head. The tail of the comet extends for over a million kilometers in space.
The comet has now approached Mars in the night sky, beside which it will remain for the next few nights. If you haven't gotten out to observe the comet with binoculars or a telescope yet, this week could offer a prime opportunity, as Mars can make for an easy-to-find reference point in the sky. At this point, you most likely won’t be able to see it with the naked eye.
Our friend @sleepingatlast has produced this beautiful song inspired by the comet. You can listen to it wherever you stream music!
The green comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) really is something else. We’ve put together some of our favorite photos from astrophotographers around the world and music by @sleepingatlast.
It’s a comet that was only discovered a few months ago from an observatory in California while it was just inside the orbit of Jupiter, about 643 million kilometers away from the sun. Originally thought to be an asteroid, as it approached the sun, the comet began to emit its coma- the cloud of dust and ice surrounding its nucleus.
The green color is likely due to the presence of diatomic carbon, chiefly around the comet's head. The tail of the comet extends for over a million kilometers in space.
The comet has now approached Mars in the night sky, beside which it will remain for the next few nights. If you haven't gotten out to observe the comet with binoculars or a telescope yet, this week could offer a prime opportunity, as Mars can make for an easy-to-find reference point in the sky. At this point, you most likely won’t be able to see it with the naked eye.
Our friend @sleepingatlast has produced this beautiful song inspired by the comet. You can listen to it wherever you stream music!
