Wednesday, Febuary 1st
Observe Comet
2022 E3 (ZTF)

The Rio Rancho Astronomical Society (RRAS) and New Mexico
Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) will host a
brief observing event for Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF), AKA the Green
Comet, during its closest approach to Earth on Wednesday,
February 1 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.
The comet recently brightened slightly and may be on
the verge of visibility.
There is too much light pollution to see the comet
from NMMNHS, but the sky is somewhat darker over
Rainbow
Park Observatory at 301 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM, so
the comet should be visible from there if the sky is clear
that night.
It's important to understand that the comet cannot be seen
through any telescope the way it appears in some published
pictures. The
human eye is not sensitive enough to perceive the green glow
in the coma or the fainter details of the tail in a live
view, but those subtleties become visible through properly
processed time-exposure photos.
A group of amateur
astronomers attempted to see the comet on the northern edge
of the Albuquerque metro area on Jan. 28.
Through binoculars and telescopes, it appears as a
faint hazy area against the black of space and no tail was
seen.
This is a free event, but donations
are appreciated.
The observatory is located north of the pool in Rio Rancho’s
Rainbow Park. If
there are any clouds, especially in the northern sky, this
event will be canceled.
The comet is the only object the group plans to view
through telescopes and binoculars during this event.
RRAS offers views of planets and other objects in the
sky during their public meetings on select Friday evenings;
check the dates listed at right
For more details about the comet, visit the museum’s public
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/NMMNHS and search for
#SpaceScienceSundayNM.