Home / Editor's Pick /

Don't miss out! Spotting the green comet

09:00
27 January 2023

Don't miss out!
Spotting the green comet

Comet flying through spaceThis month's green comet will look similar to this, Comet C/2022 Q2 LOVEJOY which passed by in 2014.

The green comet will soon make its closest approach to Earth and is already visible to the naked eye.

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is set to reach its perigee during the opening days of February, making February 1-3 your best chance of seeing the once-in-a-lifetime event with your own eyes.

For those without equipment, be sure to head outdoors just after sunset and look towards the northern horizon.

Settings for external content

Privacy Policy

In areas with little light pollution and favourable weather conditions you should be able to see the green glow unaided.

The green comet's historyread more

Anyone with a telescope available can already find the comet in the night sky. It is currently blazing by the Ursa Major constellation at a magnitude of 5.7.

By late January, and early February, as the comet approaches Earth it will appear close to the Camelopardalis constellation.

Unfortunately, the year’s next full moon occurs on February 4, meaning that moonlight will obscure the comet somewhat.

Days after perigee the comet will remain visible as it departs our region of the galaxy. Moving further east in the northern horizon and appearing close to Mars from our vantage point.

If weather conditions mask the sky or you are unable to find the comet yourself a number of astronomical agencies are hosting live streams of the event including the Virtual Telescope Project.

Check in regularly with the WeatherRadar to find a perfect night to search the skies!

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Split image showing a night-time UK rain radar map with blue precipitation bands, city temperature markers, and a rain cloud icon on the left, and a star-filled night sky with the Milky Way and a silhouetted telescope on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Sunday, 21 December 2025

Ursid meteor shower

Wish upon a Christmas star
Weather map showing temperatures and a 4,542 mile route arrow over the Atlantic. Symbols indicate sun, clouds and precipitation from North America to Europe.
Wednesday, 17 December 2025

From Europe to America

Weather front over 4,500 miles long
The weather map shows extremely low temperatures in Canada.
Monday, 15 December 2025

Minus 53 degrees

Record cold in Canada's Yukon Territory
All weather news
This might also interest you
Sunday, 24 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mammatus clouds widely spotted
Split weather map showing the UK and Ireland. The left side illustrates strong winds circulating around a low-pressure system, with gusts of 20–30 mph highlighted in orange and yellow. The right side shows radar imagery with widespread blue rain bands and patches of thunderstorms, especially over northern England and Scotland.
Thursday, 28 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Remaining widely unsettled
Friday, 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList