![]() ![]() ( Learn about the differences between asteroids and comets.) According to, it made its closest approach to the sun on January 12, coming within 103 million miles (166 million km) of our home star. Where did the comet come from?Ĭ/2022 E3 (ZTF) hails from the Oort cloud: an icy hinterland on the outskirts of the solar system where hundreds of billions to trillions of comets lurk, frozen leftovers from the planets’ formation more than 4.5 billion years ago. Where did this comet come from, and how can you see it for yourself? We’ve got you covered. On the evening of February 1, the comet is making its closest approach to Earth in 50,000 years-providing a vibrant glimpse into one of the building blocks of our cosmic home. ![]() Later today, a visitor from the solar system’s frigid outermost regions will come within 26 million miles of Earth: a ball of ice and dust that will glow in our skies with an emerald gleam.įor the past several months, the recently discovered comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) has been dazzling stargazers and astrophotographers, with the excitement ratcheting up in recent weeks. ![]()
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