A green comet named C/2022 E3 is expected to be visible in India on January 30th with the naked eye. The last time it passed Earth was 50,000 years ago. The comet will be visible in various parts of India from the end of January to early February and will be closest to Earth on February 2nd at a distance of 42 million kilometers. The comet has been spotted above the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh, leaving a trail behind. It was traveling at a speed of 2,07,000 kilometers per hour between the orbits of Earth and Mars.
To see the green comet, find a dark place away from cities to avoid light pollution. The best time to view it is in the early morning hours after the moon has set. Binoculars or a telescope will provide a better view. The comet will be located at around 20 degrees in height between Saptarshi Mandal and the Pole star.
Comets are made of frozen gases, rocks, and dust and are considered snowballs orbiting the solar system. They become luminous when they approach the Sun and heat up, causing the release of gas and dust. This comet has an estimated orbital period of 50,000 years.
According to NASA, the green comet will move northwest in January and make its closest approach to Earth between February 1st and 2nd. NASA's "What's Up" blog states that comets are unpredictable but if this one maintains its current brightness, it will be visible with binoculars and possibly with the naked eye in dark skies. Stargazers are advised to go to dark, less populated areas for a better view.