The Spectacular Return of the “Devil Comet” in the Night Sky
The anticipation of the partial lunar eclipse over Vienna on July 16, 2019, is heightened as astronomers reveal that the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will soon be visible to the naked eye.
Georg Hochmuth/AFP via Getty Images
A rarely-seen comet renowned for its colorful flare-ups has made a remarkable appearance once again in our view from Earth. What makes this event even more extraordinary is that the comet, officially known as 12P/Pons-Brooks, coincides with next month’s total solar eclipse, offering a unique opportunity for observation during the celestial event.
Comets, as described by NASA, are icy remnants from the formation of the solar system composed of dust, rock, and ice. These celestial bodies, some spanning tens of miles in width with tails extending millions of miles, brighten and exhibit increased activity as they approach the sun.
The comet 12P/Pons-Brooks follows a 71-year orbit around the sun and is set to reach perihelion, its closest point to the sun in its elliptical path, on April 21.
Known for its volatile nature, 12P/Pons-Brooks has recently displayed flare-ups on multiple occasions, emitting vibrant green and red glows along with a distinctive blue tail, as reported by Space.com.
The comet’s erratic behavior sometimes gives it a horseshoe-like appearance resembling horns, earning it the popular moniker “devil comet.” Observers can currently catch a glimpse of this phenomenon by directing telescopes or binoculars towards the Pisces constellation in the early evening, with astronomers predicting visibility to the naked eye in the near future.
Initially discovered by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in 1812, the comet was later “recovered” by American astronomer William Brooks in 1883, as documented by Sky & Telescope.
Devil comet night sky
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