Comet C/2022 E3, discovered by NASA last March, could be visible to the naked eye between January 12, when it will pass close to the Sun, and February 1, when it will be at its shortest distance from Earth being visible.
• Also read: The sound of a dust devil recorded for the first time on Mars
As NASA has been observing it for the past few months, they noticed that it was getting brighter and brighter.
Though the brightness of comets is unpredictable, the space agency said in a statement it could barely be visible to the naked eye this month.
“If it continues its bright trend, it could be easy to see with binoculars and maybe even the naked eye in dark skies,” says Preston Dyches, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory animator.
With or without binoculars, it can be observed from the northern hemisphere in January’s morning sky as the star moves northwest.
The comet will also be visible from the southern hemisphere in early February.
“It’s not expected to be as awe-inspiring a sight as Comet Neowise will be in 2020, but it’s an opportunity to experience a personal connection with a chilling visitor from the depths of our solar system,” Dyches continues.
After approaching Earth, comet C/2022 E3 will continue its orbit before passing near the blue planet again in about 6,800 years.