We have a nice green comet that is making its closest approach to Earth in the
next two weeks.
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is currently making its way through the northern skies
and should reach its brightest magnitude in early February, according to
In-The-Sky.org<https://in-the-sky.org/comets/20230201_CK22E030_2.png> (opens in
new tab) as it approaches perigee on Feb. 1. To see the comet for yourself,
look to the north just after sunset and look for a faint greenish glow. Under
the right dark sky conditions, the comet could be visible to the unaided eye,
but binoculars<https://www.space.com/26021-best-binoculars.html> will certainly
make the job easier.
Bad weather in Asheville for the next 2-3 days and then the moon messes things
up until Feb 6. You could still see it before, but it won't be much.
On Feb 6, the sun sets at 6 and the moon rises at 7. So from about 6:30 until
7, you should be able to see it well.
On Feb 7, the sun sets at 6 and the moon rises at 8. So you got an hour and a
half between 6:30 and 8. After that, the moon rises an hour later each night
so more viewing time.
BUT. After Feb 7, the comet is moving well past earth and it will begin to get
more dim.
So. The last and best shot is February 6 and 7.
A dark sky will help much. Peg and I are gonna scout out Cane River Park near
Burnsville some time this week. We'll get up there late and see how many
street lights are present.
more than you ever wanted to know. Pedantic Bill
