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47184
From: Eve, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Green Comet, Red Planet
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GREEN COMET, RED PLANET: Comet ZTF (C/2022 E3) is having a close encounter with Mars. Michael Jaeger photographed the duo last night from AZM Martinsberg, Austria. 🔼 "Comet ZTF is approaching the ecliptic and is now near Mars," says Jaeger. On. Saturday night they will be less than 1 degree apart. The two celestial bodies are a study in contrast. Mars is red (due to rust in the planet's regolith). Comet ZTF is green (due to diatomic carbon in its atmosphere). Mars is 100 times brighter and easy to see with the unaided eye. Comet ZTF is nearly invisible. |
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47185
From: Eve, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Green Comet, Red Planet
URL: https://www.space.com/green-comet-c2022-e3-ztf-near-mars-february-2023
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EXCERPT: See the green comet near Mars in the night sky this week By Brett Tingley published 3 days ago The location of the comet near the Red Planet should make it relatively easy to find.  An illustration of the night sky on Feb. 10 showing the green comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) close to Mars and the Taurus constellation. (Image credit: Starry Night Software) If you haven't yet braved the cold winter nights to see the green comet currently in the night sky, this week might be your best chance. Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be positioned close to Mars in the Taurus constellation, making it easier to locate as it dims as it speeds away from Earth. The comet will appear beside the Red Planet from Feb. 9 through Feb. 14, after which it will begin approaching the Orion and Eridanus constellations. For viewers in the continental United States, Mars is positioned high in the night sky roughly an hour after sunset this month, making the comet primed for early evening viewing. If skies aren't clear in your area or you aren't able to make it outside to see comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) as it nears Mars, you still have a great opportunity to view this celestial spectacle. The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting a free telescope livestream of the comet's Red Planet approach on the project's website(opens in new tab) and YouTube channel(opens in new tab). The livestream will begin on Saturday (Feb. 11) at 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT). |
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