New Delhi; Comet C/2022 E3 has been photographed by the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) (ZTF).

Recently, the comet made headlines as it is making its first appearance in 50,000 years. It is currently traveling through the inner Solar System and will be 42 million kilometers from Earth on February 1.

Astronomers have always been interested in comets because they are believed to be leftovers from our solar system. And the excitement of seeing it increases exponentially when it is a very rare comet.

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IIA astronomers in India have used the Himalayan Chandra Telescope to capture C/2022 E3 ZTF. At 15,000 feet above sea level, it is the highest telescope in India and is located in Hanle, Ladakh.

Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF was captured in three separate images, which were then combined. Astronomers Margarita Safonova, Moolchand Kurre and Bharat Chandra captured each image using red, green and blue filters. The IIA referenced the image and said, "The telescope was tracking a fast-moving comet, so the background stars appear to be moving in a trail."

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Initially thought to be an asteroid, C/2022 E3 ZTF's cometary status was later confirmed by observations. It was detected by the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) in March 2022 when it was inside the orbit of Jupiter. The comet will be 160 million kilometers from the Sun when it reaches its perihelion on January 12.

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The Northern Hemisphere's best viewing time for the comet will be just before dawn, when it will appear as a "faint, greenish haze." Use binoculars or a telescope and set your focus to the North West for a clear view. It is also available online.