A celestial spectacle is dazzling stargazers in the night sky, as the “devil comet” known for its occasional outbursts makes its presence known. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, aptly named for its devilish horns-shaped gas and ice trails from a previous eruption, is currently visible in the Northern Hemisphere through binoculars and telescopes. But as it journeys closer to the sun in mid-April, there’s a possibility that the comet will become visible to the naked eye, offering a rare opportunity for sky watchers.
Comets, characterized by a core of dust, gas, and ice surrounded by a coma of bright gas clouds, are remnants of the solar system’s formation. These cosmic objects, some reaching tens of miles in width, can be triggered into outbursts by sunlight and solar radiation. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, with its history of violent eruptions, is a prime example.
Sky gazers in the Northern Hemisphere can catch a glimpse of the comet in the evenings by looking toward the west-northwest horizon. Expected to increase in brightness throughout the month, the comet should remain visible, weather permitting, until early May. There’s even a chance that the comet might grace the sky during the total solar eclipse on April 8, creating a unique celestial double feature for those in the eclipse’s path of totality.
Discovered in 1812 by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons and later observed in 1883 by British-American astronomer William Brooks, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is a rarity due to its 71-year orbit around the sun. This celestial event offers sky watchers a chance to witness a piece of history as the “devil comet” graces the night sky with its dazzling display.