Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, exceeding the size of Mount Everest, is making its way back to the inner solar system for the first time in over 70 years, offering a unique spectacle for observers in the UK and around the world.
A significant astronomical event is set to captivate stargazers in the UK and beyond as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, a colossal comet larger than Mount Everest with a diameter of approximately 30 km, nears the Earth and the Sun. This visit marks the comet’s first return to the inner solar system in over 70 years.
First discovered in 1812 by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons and then observed again in 1883 by British-American astronomer William Robert Brooks, the comet has intrigued the scientific community with its unique cryovolcanic characteristics, which include eruptions of dust, gases, and ice. Notably, an outburst last year significantly increased its brightness, leading to the comet being nicknamed “the Devil Comet” because of its distinctive horned shape.
The comet is anticipated to make its closest approach to the Sun on April 21, reaching a potential maximum brightness of magnitude 4.5. This brightness might make it visible from dark locations within the UK, especially in areas free from haze, moonlight, and light pollution. Observers are recommended to look low in the west-north-west during clear evenings for the best chance to catch a glimpse of this rare celestial visitor, using basic instruments such as small telescopes or binoculars.
Recent observations have led some to compare the comet’s appearance to that of the Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars franchise due to sudden bursts in brightness. According to Bill Cooke from NASA, these brightening episodes are likely caused by gases escaping from the comet’s core as it is warmed by the sun.
With its closest approach to Earth expected in June, skywatchers in the northern hemisphere, particularly those equipped with the simplest of astronomical instruments, may soon have the rare opportunity to observe Comet Pons-Brooks with the naked eye. This event not only offers a spectacular sight but also provides valuable insights into the processes and formations within our solar system.
