April 20, 2025

NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day 21 February 2023: Comet ZTF over Yosemite Falls

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On February 1, the Inexperienced Comet ZTF made its closest solution to Earth, which was observed by astronomers and sky-watchers around the globe. Comets are of wonderful desire to experts as they are remnants of the early Photo voltaic Program, furnishing useful details about its composition and conditions. Whilst comets normally pass shut to Earth, Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is particularly noteworthy since it has a 50000-calendar year orbit, that means the previous time it arrived near to Earth was practically 50000 years ago through the Upper Paleolithic period when Neanderthals were being still existing on Earth.

NASA’s Astronomy Image of the Working day is a mesmerizing photograph of Comet ZTF streaking across the skies around Yosemite Falls positioned in the Sierra Nevada location of California. In accordance to NASA, this comet was identified by astronomers working with the broad-subject study camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility in 2022 in March last 12 months. Comet C/2022E3 (ZTF) is a prolonged-interval comet that originated in the Oort cloud. The image was captured by astrophotographer Tara Mostofi.

The photograph captures the asteroid slipping in the direction of the Sunlight around the Yosemite Falls.

NASA’s description of the image

They are each falling. The h2o in Yosemite Falls, California, United states, is falling towards the Earth. Comet ZTF is falling toward the Solar. This double cosmic cascade was captured late previous thirty day period as fading Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) experienced just handed its closest to planet Earth. The orange star just more than the falls is Kochab. With the exception of a brief face with a black bear, the showcased picture was a nicely-prepared composite of a moonlit-foreground and prolonged-period track record exposures – all made to reconstruct a deep model of an actual solitary sight.

Even though Comet ZTF is now fading as it glides back again to the outer Solar Procedure, its route is decided by gravity and so it can be viewed as to however be falling toward the Sunshine — but backwards.


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Supply backlink The epic beauty of nature was fully displayed in the Astronomy Picture of the Day by NASA, which was taken on 21st February 2023. It featured the stunningly radiant Comet ZTF streaking through the night sky over Yosemite Falls, located in the Yosemite National Park in California, USA.

The bright and illuminated comet, with its long and sweeping tail, was captured in all its glory, hovering over the Yosemite Falls as it flew by. This impressive astronomical sight of a rare comet in the sky emphasizes the breathtaking grandeur of the Yosemite Falls, which is made up of multiple cascading tiers that cover a total height of more than 740 metres.

The strength and magnitude of the falls can be attributed to the underground springs, which feed the Upper Yosemite Fall, one of the largest in the entire United States of America. The Yosemite Falls has been described as “a plunging water turn over three levels, stretching a total of 2,425 feet”.

The majestic Yosemite Falls is one of the most beloved natural landmarks in the world and the mesmerizing image of Comet ZTF adds an extra layer of spectacular beauty to this already breathtaking destination.

For many, the picture of Comet ZTF illuminating the night sky and hovering over the Yosemite Falls could only be described as an awe-inspiring experience. Indeed, it is not every night that a comet passes by and these special moments should not be taken for granted.

As with all Astronomy Pictures of the Day, this take of Comet ZFT over the Yosemite Falls was taken by Dr. Robert J. Vanderbei of the Princeton University Observatory, USA. It was shared on the NASA website and soon went viral, with many around the world capturing and sharing their own versions.

In essence, the picturesque take of the Comet ZFT over Yosemite Falls by Dr. Vanderbei is truly an awe-inspiring sight to behold.