A comet reaching the inner solar system intact is typically a rare astronomical event. As a comet approaches the sun, it sometimes breaks up, and so it is common to refer to a comet as having survived the sun. Once the comet survives and comes close to the Earth, it may be possible for it to be viewed with small telescopes or binoculars, or even with the unaided eye.
It’s safe to say C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was a rarity, not only because it survived, but it is said to be on a path with a return period of about 50,000 years. The photo above captured the comet as it passed through the constellation of Taurus approaching Mars on 10 February, 2023 (captured with Askar FMA180 + AA 26c + iOptron Skyguider Pro.
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) captured on 31 January, 2023 using Askar 80PHQ + AA 26c + iOptron HEM27
An exceptional image, Drexel, capturing the faint cometary coma and tail, along with the red hue of Mars.
If you trust Wikipedia, it states that the inbound trajectory is about 50,000 years but the predicted outbound trajectory is millions of years and potential ejection.
Very much appreciated Roger. That information just blows my mind.
I love the color! I was hoping it would brighten up a bit more and show a bit more of a tail, but you never know about those things until they happen. Not bad to be part of a one in a 50,000 year occurrence! Thank you as always for sharing! 👍🔭💯
Yea yes. The moon did not help at all. So this was the best I could pull out until the next one passes 😊