Comet 12P/Ponce-Brooks, also known as the Devil’s Comet because of the unusual shape of its coma, when it splits and “horns” appear, will pass over the Earth in the coming weeks. This was reported by Komersant ukrainskyi with reference to Space.com.
Last year in July, an unexpected outburst made the comet about 100 times brighter, and the cloud of dust and gas surrounding its nucleus (coma) expanded and began to resemble a horseshoe. Because of this, the horned comet was called the Devil’s Comet.
“This comet was first discovered by astronomer Jean-Louis Pons on 12 July 1812. At first, he described it as a shapeless object with no visible tail. However, over the next month, the comet became so bright that it could be seen in the night sky with the naked eye. Further calculations showed that the comet will take about 65-75 years to fly around the Sun,”
– the report says.
on 2 September 1883, the American comet observer of British origin William Brooks saw this comet again. Therefore, it now bears the names of both researchers.
The causes of the comet’s brightness flashes are not known for certain, but some astronomers suggest that Comet Pons-Brooks is a rare representative of a group of comets with volcanic activity on the surface.
The Devil’s Comet flashed across the sky past the Andromeda Galaxy on 12 March. Astronomers recorded this event on video thanks to the Italian Virtual Telescope project.
How and when to see the comet
By the end of March, the comet’s brightness may reach the fifth magnitude, which means that it may be possible to see it with the naked eye.
The comet will pass closest to the Sun on 21 April, when it will be very bright and clearly visible in the sky after sunset.
At the same time, it is better to use binoculars or a telescope if possible.
After 12P/Ponce-Brooks returns to space, it will take another 71 years to make another complete revolution around the Sun. For most of us, this year’s appearance will be the only time we see it.
But children who are around now may get a second chance to see it in the summer of 2095.