The Green Comet is “here”: Right now you can track in real time the comet, no matter where you are. Thanks to the app Sky Map we will have the opportunity to see how a comet will cross our sky. With the name of C/2022 E3 (ZTF), the celestial body will touch our planet, passing almost 42 million kilometers from our atmosphere and we will be able to see with our own eyes its particular green halo.
But what if you can’t go out to see it? Before this eventuality, you have an app that will allow you to see the trajectory of the comet, as well as many other elements of the celestial map: Sky Map. An application originally created by Google but currently managed by Sky Map Devs, after being discontinued by the technology company.
Explore the Universe from Home with Sky Map
With Sky Maps, you will have the possibility to see with your own eyes the sky around you, including the constellations, the different stars, the planets of the Solar System, our Moon and other celestial bodies, such as comets and asteroids. The information you observe is obtained in real time, so you can see live all the changes that occur in the sky and follow events such as the approach of the green comet.
To use the app, you must have activated the GPS, the compass and the gyroscopic sensor of your mobile phone. After having given all the permissions, you will see the map of the sky that corresponds to where your device points and you will be able to follow the different celestial bodies that surround us with your eyes.
All the information you will see comes from trusted sources, such as NASA itself and the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as various outer space observation centers. Whether you want to follow the trajectory of comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) or you want to see the stars that are beyond your view, this app is for you.
How can I see the comet, and should I worry about the brightness?
Next February 1 will be the day the comet is at its closest point to Earth. This will happen around 7:11 pm in Spain (peninsular time).
As for the brightness that the comet will give off, there will be no need to worry. NASA has reported that the star can be observed with the naked eye without the need to use other gadgets. When we have chosen a point to see the comet, it is convenient to wait for half an hour for our eyes to adapt to the light.
To get the best possible glimpse of the comet, you will first need to have a pair of binoculars or, instead, a small telescope. You should keep in mind that the best time to see it will be at dusk. The comet will leave behind an unmistakable green halo, which will help you to easily identify it.
