After being first spotted almost a year ago, tonight (February 1) it will finally pass by the Earth in a once-in-a-lifetime event. Not wanting to miss out, everybody wants to know how to spot the green comet E3 and what time it will be visible. We all want the best chance of seeing it, so we’ve got some advice for those watching the skies tonight.
The green comet has been causing a lot of excitement since the beginning of the year as its passing grew closer and closer. Recognised for being green, its colour isn’t actually that unusual for a comet. That being said, that doesn’t make seeing the object any less special. What makes this sighting even rarer than Halley’s comet is that it only happens every 50,000 years — so only our ancestors in the Stone Age would have seen it before. It’s definitely not something you want to miss out on because you got the timings wrong or were looking in the wrong place.
How To Spot The Green Comet
Though some astronomical objects require special equipment to be seen, there have already been sightings of the green comet with the naked eye. The best way to spot E3 is to move away from any strong lights, including light pollution from a city. The darker the sky the more likely you’ll be able to spot the green comet.
If you can get your hands on a pair of binoculars then they will definitely help, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see it without them.
Space.com confirm that the green comet will be close to Polaris, or the North Star and will be best seen later on in the night. So, ensure that you are looking north and that you have minimised light pollution as much as possible. E3 will be travelling over the Earth’s night skies for a few nights; travelling towards the constellation of Taurus. However, it is tonight that it will be at its highest point and therefore easier to see. That doesn’t mean that if you don’t catch it tonight that it cannot be spotted over the next few nights, however.
When Will E3 Be Visible?
For those in the UK, the green comet will be visible from just before midnight. It will then reach its highest point in the sky at around 2.45 am. As the sky becomes brighter, it will disappear from view on February 1. Officially, E3 will be leaving the skies across the globe at 10:57 am GMT.
In the US, you will have a longer period of time to see E3. The comet will first be able to be seen from around 6.50 pm EST. It will then reach its highest point at 9.45 pm. Those across the pond will then have a few hours left to see the green comet before it descends into the morning light from 5.47 am.
Luckily, you will still be able to spot the green comet for the first few days of February. So, whilst tonight will be your best chance, it’s still possible that you will see it another night this week.
Having a pair of binoculars or a telescope to view E3 isn’t the be-all and end-all. Using a good-quality camera to zoom in on the night skies can definitely improve your chances! There are plenty of ways to spot the green comet more clearly.
Good luck spotting this unmissable event!