Green comet will be visible in Portugal. It only happens again in 50,000 years – Science & Health

Green comet will be visible in Portugal. It only happens again in 50,000 years – Science & Health
Green comet will be visible in Portugal. It only happens again in 50,000 years – Science & Health
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After 50 thousand years since its last “visit”, the comet C/2022 E3 will be able to be seen again by humans. And what’s special? The green trail it leaves behind as it passes across the sky. Scientists say that the star can be seen for an entire month and that when it passes close to Earth, it will leave a “slightly green trail” behind it. If you want to see it, it’s now or never (or 50,000 years from now).

JOSÉ FRANCISCO HERNÁNDEZ/ALTAMIRA/NASA

In a publication, NASA explains that although comets are “unpredictable”, if it maintains the trajectory it has been following, it should pass through the skies of the northern hemisphere starting this week. And February 2 will be the day it will pass closest to the planet. “If it continues on its current trajectory and maintains its “light”, it will be easy to see”, says the US space agency, which even believes that it can be seen without the need for any device (such as an amateur telescope or some binoculars). According to NASA’s calculations, it will pass about 42 million kilometers from Earth in early February and at that time it can already be seen with the naked eye (and weather conditions permitting) in the northern hemisphere. The rocky and icy body is only one kilometer in diameter. But what green is the one that accompanies this comet? Like all comets, it is a star surrounded by ice and when it approaches the sun, this water (which is in a solid state) changes to a gaseous state, leaving a trail made of water and dust.

NASA said it first spotted the comet in March 2022 as it circled Jupiter. From its trajectory and speed, scientists have calculated that it passes by Earth every 50,000 years and that the last time it was seen by human eyes was when Neanderthals dominated the Iberian Peninsula.

The comet will also be visible in the southern hemisphere during the month of February.

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Tags: Green comet visible Portugal years Science Health

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