A rare green comet, officially known as Comet c/2022 E3 (ZTF) will grace Canberra’s skies from Monday evening.
Peak visibility will occur just after sunset at about 9pm.
ANU Astrophysicist, Dr Brad Tucker said there’s a few places around town he’d be heading to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
“A high place, maybe Mount Ainslie, or go out to Lake George …look towards the north, near the constellation of Orion.”
It’s not the first time the ‘green comet’ has paid earth’s skies a visit but it has been about 50,000 years since it was here last – making its current appearance extra special.
“Comets are these dirty snowballs, they come from so far away, a thousand times further away from Pluto, that’s why they take so long to get our solar system.”
If you can’t find it tonight, the comet is set to remain visible for at least a week, with Saturday another great time to see its green tail, as it flies near Mars.
Listen to Kate & Nige’s chat with Dr Brad Tucker here:
