In news that will excite space enthusiasts, a comet is headed for Australia, and this week is the best time to view it.
Known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, but affectionately dubbed the ‘Devil Comet,’ it will be at its brightest this week, making viewing it in the southern hemisphere possible. If you miss this chance, it won’t return for another 71 years.
Already capturing attention in the Northern Hemisphere, breathtaking images of the comet have flooded social media platforms, showcasing its mesmerising beauty.
“There have been some astonishingly beautiful photos coming out on social media of the comet taken from the Northern Hemisphere near the Andromeda Galaxy,” Jonti Horner, an astronomer with the University of Southern Queensland, told the ABC.
How to see 12P/Pons-Brooks comet
The best time to see the comet is April 21, when it’s closest to the sun. Look towards the eastern horizon near Jupiter around 60 minutes after sunset. While it can be seen with the naked eye, taking binoculars is a great idea.
If you need help spotting the comet, apps like Star Walk or Night Sky can show you the way.
How big is the ‘Devil Comet’?
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is estimated to be about 17 kilometres on its longest side. However, due to its distance from Earth, its exact size isn’t known.
Will the Devil Comet hit the earth?
Despite being closest to Earth on June 2, rest assured, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks poses no threat of collision.
Why is it called the ‘Devil Comet’?
As for its ominous moniker, Professor Horner explained that as the comet approaches the Sun and heats up, it intermittently releases bursts or explosions of activity, ejecting gas and dust before settling down again. Over the past year, it has displayed frequent outbursts, almost like it’s “burping” repeatedly. At one point, these outbursts resulted in the comet appearing to have two tails, resembling a horned shape like a devil.
What comet is coming in 2024?
Bright comets visible in 2024 include:
- 12P/Pons–Brooks
- C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
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