Taking a much-needed break from politics and markets for a moment or two…there’s a rare show underway in the night sky right now – so rare that the last time it occurred was 50,000 years ago. The star of this story: a comet with the unglamorous name of Comet ZTF.
The best viewing times of this icy ball are now until the first week of February. It’s not very bright, so you may need binoculars or a telescope to see it. Where is it right now?
Sky and Telescope has a map showing the comet’s path through the northern sky through Feb. 4.
What else is special about this comet – besides its greenish tail? It’s also making its last appearance in our solar system:
While its inbound period was 53,000 years, due to perturbations by the planets ZTF is now headed out of the solar system altogether. Perhaps one day the peripatetic puffball will become another star system’s first interstellar comet.
Your best chance to see it is away from bright city lights because even on its closest approach to us, the comet will still be 26 million miles away.
Once upon a time, comets were viewed as evil omens or among ancient cultures as “messages from the gods.” Comets are not messengers, omens or auguries. Rather they are the icy remnants of our solar system’s creation – and marvels in the night sky.
Take time to have a look at this artifact’s last trip through our solar neighborhood. The political shenanigans and economic follies won’t go anywhere.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
READ NEXT: If China Wins Space Race – US Could Lose the Moon – And a Lot More >>
54,000 years ago, sure. Amazing how “scientists” can be so sure about things in the past, but struggle with the things of today.
Also interesting that comets used to be common, but now they are much dimmer or nonexistent. Almost like the Universe isn’t that old after all.
Who cares? It’s going to be cloudy 2/1 & 2/2 anyway. Maybe I’ll be here and maybe I won’t the next time. My money is on no one is going to be here to see it the next time.