Perhaps you’ve seen it on social media; perhaps you’ve seen it through the news; or, perhaps you’re an astrophile. Regardless, the world is in a state of awe and intense curiosity as individuals set aside their nighttime plans to potentially cast glimpse of an ultra-rare comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF), throughout the months of January and February. As reported by NASA, there are exactly 3,743 identified comets circulating through our solar system, so why exactly is ZTF generating so much hype-even from astronomers who’ve seen and experienced their fair share of space’s dirty snowballs? Well, the simple answer is its connection to distant, unfamiliar circumstances.

As analyzed by researchers at the ZTF institute–yes, the individuals who named the comet itself–the ZTF merely revolves around the sun every 50,000 years, meaning that the last known individuals to gaze upon it were the Neanderthals of the Stone Age. Additionally, these researchers state that the comet originated in one of the outer-most depths of our solar system, a spherical region known as the Oort Cloud which is beyond our very own Pluto’s orbital position. Scientists can use information gathered from the comet’s composition to analyze the formation of the earliest iterations of the solar system. Specifically, when the comet comes in contact with the sun´s energy, the icy particles of the comet become energized into gas particles. The specific gas particles created allows scientists to perform spectroscopy and get a glimpse into what composes this rocky substance. In the case of ZTF, scientists found out that molecules such as hydroxide and chloroacetophenone were present, which may paint a clearer picture of the formation of the comet and even those of larger celestial bodies and events. From a scientific standpoint, ZTF´s composition offers a rich opportunity to expand current knowledge, but to the common gazer, the brilliant green streak of the comet is likely what captivates. ZTF´s green tail is the result of the sun´s UV rays being absorbed by diatomic carbon (C2), and individuals can unprecedently discern the presence of such a comet through this signature trait with the mere naked eye.

Starting on January 12th, the comet made its closest appearance to the sun, where it reached its perihelion, and has ever since begun to travel closer towards the Earth, with an estimated passage time of February 2nd. Until the 2nd, individuals have had the opportunity to spot it with the naked eye in primarily the northern hemisphere. By using constellations such as the Bootes, Ursa Minor, the Little Dipper, and Camelopardalis as reference guides, thousands have gaped at what’s described as a “blurry, little fuzzy patch of the sky”. However, if you still seek to look at it, don’t fret! The comet will still be available for viewing in the night sky near “a very bright star” known as Capella. For more locational logistics, consult local observatories and starry night maps to prepare and educate yourself on the best way to catch sight of this rare phenomenon.