Today the C/2022 E3 (ZTF) has reached its perihelion, the closest distance to the Sun, at 1.11 AU. I woke up very early on the morning of the 12th of January 2023 to be able to capture this joy of nature. The sights were also memorable as the comet is already visible through small binoculars. Astrophotography and stargazing came together today to make this moment unique.
This telescopic image of the Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF) was captured on the early morning of the 12th of January 2023, at 05:38 UTC, from my backyard observatory in Prades (Tarragona, Spain).
Recently discovered, the Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF) is now easily visible with the use of binoculars with a visual estimated magnitude of 6.8. It can be located in the Corona Borealis constellation. During the session I was able to observe the comet with the use of binoculars and the technique of averted vision. It’s getting slightly brighter from night to night.
The comet’s perihelion has been reached today, January the 12th, and the perigee, its closest approach to Earth, will be on February the 1st.
The Comet could be visible to the naked eye by the end of January according to several estimations.
The full image covers an area of 4º27′ x 2º56′ at a resolution of 2.59″/pixel.
Thanks for your time on this website.
Image Details
L: 14×120″ (28′)
RGB: (10, 10, 10) x 30″ (15′)
Calibrated with darks, flats, dark-flats.
Total exposure: 43′
Average Moon phase at 77%
Image resolution: 2.59”/pixel
FOV (full image): 4º27′ x 2º56′
Equipment
FRA300 + ASI2600MM + LRGB ZWO filters + ZWO EFW 7 pos + ZWO EAF
ZWO AM5 mount
ASI AIR Plus
Guiding with ASI120MM and ZWO Mini Guide Scope
Software
ASI Air software, APP, PIX, LR, TPZ, PS.
Aleix Roig, 12th of January 2023.
Prades (Tarragona, Catalonia – Spain).