The very bright Comet ZTF will be visible to the naked eye in France. A rare astronomical event that you can take advantage of. Here’s how to see it with a sky map to help you find your way.
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF passes through the Solar System. On her way, she visits our planet. At its closest to its crossing, it will come at a distance of 42 million kilometers from us. But, it will only do so once in your lifetime (its last visit dates back to the Paleolithic period, 50,000 years ago). A rare astronomical event that is possible to enjoy with the naked eye in France – as the ZTF is particularly spectacular. Spectacular photographs of Comet ZTF were also taken.
Where to See Comet ZTF? (with map)
Wherever you can observe the constellation Ursa Major, in the Northern Hemisphere, you can see Comet ZTF. So it concerns the whole of France. It’s in this area of the sky that you’ll have to look to see it: it’ll exist between the Little and the Big Dipper.
You can bring binoculars or a telescope to better spot it, but it’s also normally visible to the naked eye. To do this, it is better to get away from the light pollution of cities that curtain the celestial vault. Apart from this, the sky should be completely clear.
To help you spot ZTF in the night sky, here’s a map of its location around the date of January 25:
When to see Comet ZTF?
Comet ZTF has been visible in the sky since January 20. It will be closest to Earth (“closer” to 42 million kilometers) around February 1 and 2, then it will slowly move away. In fact, the best period is now: between late January and early February 2023.
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