Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) Approaches Earth, Offers Rare Viewing Opportunity
Comet C/2024 E1, also known as Wierzchos, is making its way from the outer regions of the solar system into Earth's skies, providing astronomers and stargazers a unique opportunity to observe this celestial body. Discovered in March 2024 by the Catalina Sky Survey, the comet is believed to have originated from the Oort Cloud, a distant icy shell surrounding the solar system. The James Webb Space Telescope has observed the comet, noting a deficiency of carbon monoxide in its composition, which may indicate depletion before its formation or expulsion by larger inner planets. The comet is expected to be visible in the southern hemisphere, with astrophotographer Ian Griffin capturing images from New Zealand. It will also be visible in the northern hemisphere, including parts of southern India, around its closest approach to Earth on February 17.