Community Corner
Green Comet Over Fremont: Photo, Video Of The Day
Richard Rajah shot this from his backyard in Fremont.
FREMONT, CA — Richard Rajah has a photo that can only be taken once every 50,000 years — a green comet making its first pass of Earth since Neanderthals in the Upper Paleolithic period. Richard shot a video from his own backyard that he posted online.
Comet ZTF made its closest approach to Earth on Wednesday, but should still be visible for a couple more weeks before it disappears for another 50,000 or so years.
Its orbit extends far out into our solar system and has a green aura because it is passing close enough to the sun for the outgassing of its diatomic carbon molecules to react with the solar wind.
The comet is expected to brighten as it moves out of the Corona Borealis constellation this week and passes through the constellations Boötes, Draco, Ursa Minor and eventually Camelopardalis in its close approach to Earth. Track Comet ZTF’s movements on Universe Today.
With a telescope, skywatchers can expect to see the comet through mid-February.
Thank you for sharing your photo and video, Richard!
If you have an awesome photo of nature, breath-taking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny, or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we'd love to feature it on Patch.
We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty and fun that is Northern California, and that show off your unique talents.
Email it to bea.karnes@patch.com.
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