The devil comet, also known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is a rare sight akin to the infamous Halley’s Comet. It takes approximately 71 years to complete a full orbit around the sun, making its appearance even more special. While it has been approaching Earth in recent times, it is only now becoming visible to those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Interestingly, the upcoming weeks from tonight until the end of March will provide the optimal opportunity for us to witness this celestial spectacle.
To maximize the potential of this extraordinary opportunity, there are a few essential steps you should take. Firstly, if feasible, find a location that is free from excessive light pollution. Additionally, it may be beneficial to have binoculars or a compact telescope on hand, depending on your specific location.
Experts Say Now is the Perfect Time to View the Rare Devil Comet
Dr. Paul Chodas, manager of the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, and Davide Farnocchia, navigation engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, confirm that the comet will become slightly brighter as it approaches the sun. They anticipate it to be visible to the naked eye, appearing low in the western sky approximately one hour after sunset.
On April 8, there will be another extraordinary event to witness. The devil comet, positioned about 25 degrees away from the sun, will become visible during the total eclipse. This remarkable occurrence is exceptionally rare, making the upcoming weeks truly unforgettable.
The featured image for this story can be found here.
The Devil Comet is making its once-in-a-lifetime appearance, making now the perfect time to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary sight.
