St. Louis residents were treated to a rare celestial sight on the evening of July 25, 2023, as Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) streaked across the night sky. The comet, which had not been visible from Earth in over 50,000 years, appeared as a bright, fuzzy object with a long, trailing tail.
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is a long-period comet that orbits the Sun every 50,000 years. It was discovered in March 2022 by astronomers at the Zwicky Transient Facility in California. The comet is believed to be made of ice, dust, and rock, and is estimated to be about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) in diameter.
As the comet approached Earth, it brightened significantly, becoming visible to the naked eye under dark skies. On July 25, 2023, the comet reached its closest point to Earth, passing about 26 million miles (42 million kilometers) away. This was the closest that the comet has come to Earth in over 50,000 years.
Observing the Comet
Observers in St. Louis were able to see Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) with the naked eye, although binoculars or a telescope provided a better view. The comet was visible in the northwestern sky, near the constellation Ursa Major.
Table 1: Observing Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2023 | 10:00 PM CDT | Northwestern sky, near Ursa Major |
The Significance of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is a rare and awe-inspiring celestial object. It is only the second comet to be visible to the naked eye from Earth in the past 20 years. The comet provides a unique opportunity to study the composition and evolution of these ancient celestial bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When was the last time Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was visible from Earth?
A: Over 50,000 years ago.
Q: How long will the comet be visible in the night sky?
A: The comet will be visible for several more weeks, but its brightness will gradually diminish.
Q: Is it safe to look directly at the comet?
A: Yes, it is safe to look directly at the comet with the naked eye or through binoculars.
Q: Where can I find more information about Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)?
A: Visit the NASA website at https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/comet-c-2022-e3-ztf-brightens-to-naked-eye-visibility.
Celestial Events in St. Louis
Aurora borealis, bright meteoroids, and comet sightings have graced the night skies of St. Louis. Stargazers have witnessed these celestial phenomena, capturing them on camera and sharing their experiences. With its urban skyline and accessibility to dark sky sites nearby, St. Louis offers opportunities for astronomy enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the wonders of the cosmos.
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