A comet last seen by cavemen will be visible this week.
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) has an orbit of 50,000 years, meaning it was last seen by Neanderthals in the Stone Age.
The comet has moved into the inner solar system and will be closest to the earth this Wednesday, February 1.
It will still be more than 40 million kilometres away.
The comet has a bright green glow as a result of ultraviolet radiation from the sun lighting up the gases surrounding the comet’s surface.
It can currently be spotted in the north sky and will be most visible when it is closest to earth.
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is visible to the naked eye in areas with minimal light pollution but in most areas, it will be dim.
Observers are advised to head out after midnight and use binoculars or a small telescope.
If you get a photo of the comet, we'd love to see it. Send your pictures to grace.piercy@archant.co.uk.
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