University of São Paulo: Comet with a 50,000-year orbit can be seen under observation at USP’s Cientec Park
On February 10th, Friday, USP ‘s Science and Technology Park (Cientec) promotes another edition of the Astronomical Observation, a monthly nocturnal event, which this time will observe comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), which It has an orbital period of 50,000 years. The star reached its perihelion (closest point to the Sun) on January 12, and in February it will be at its closest point to Earth, at “only” 42 million kilometers. Without the need for prior registration, entry to the park, located in the Água Funda neighborhood, in São Paulo, will be allowed for pedestrians and vehicles from 5 pm to 6 pm.
Much brighter in this period, the expectation is that the comet can be seen with the naked eye. However, the event offers professional telescopes and spotting scopes, and monitors for visitors to enjoy the moment in detail. On the day, the comet will pass 1.5 degrees from Mars, allowing joint observation of the stars. In addition, the physical approach of the Moon, Jupiter and Venus can also be observed with the naked eye during sunset, when the sky begins to darken.
“Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences and has always helped human beings to develop their activities, modulated by the movements of the stars; we guide ourselves on counting time, moments of planting and harvesting, perceiving the enormity of the cosmos and our role (and size) in this scenario”, reflects Suzana Ursi, director of Parque Cientec. “Observation enables a fun approach to this very relevant science”, she adds.
The director says that the activity has always been one of the most beloved activities in the park. “In the post-pandemic period, we were able to resume it and we realized that it continues to be a great attraction, always with sessions full of interested parties. Families with children are the most frequent audience, but everyone is invited”, explains Suzana.
The university extension activity already has an agenda for the month of March. On March 4th, also with admission between 5 pm and 6 pm, visitors will be able to observe the planetary conjunction between Jupiter and Venus.
In addition to making professional equipment available for public relays, Cientec offers guidance and explanations from monitors. It is also possible to bring your own instruments to be able to enjoy the place even more.
Watch out for the clouds! In case of overcast skies, the monitors will promote a Planetarium session and a tour of the historical route of the place, including the centenary Zeiss Luneta . The park does not have food and drinks for sale, but there are spaces available for snacks and picnics.
Parque Cientec
The USP Science and Technology Park is an organ of the Pro-Rectory of Culture and University Extension that promotes scientific dissemination actions in several areas, such as astronomy, meteorology, education and ecology.
The space presents a rich mix of historical and natural heritage and receives, from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm, schools for monitored visits with prior appointment, individual visitors and researchers. On Saturdays, also from 9 am to 4 pm, various activities are promoted, with a variable schedule that includes sessions at the Planetarium, trails in the Atlantic Forest, experiments in the areas of physics, geophysics, soils and microbiology, among others.