The Devil Comet Is Coming (And It's Actually Pretty Cool)

In 2024, in addition to a total solar eclipse, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the Devil Comet, will be visible in the sky with just a pair of binoculars.

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Read About The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Here

What Is The Comet Pons-Brooks?

From Astronomy:

First discovered in 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons, then found again in 1883 by William Brooks, this is called a short period comet.  (A comet with less than 200 years is considered short period.)However some astronomers believe it could have first been seen in 1385.

The Comet is believed to be bigger than Mount Everest, and according to Live Science:

 is a cryovolcanic — or cold volcano — comet. It has a solid nucleus, with an estimated diameter of 10.5 miles (17 kilometers), and is filled with a mix of ice, dust and gas known as cryomagma. The nucleus is surrounded by a fuzzy cloud of gas called a coma, which leaks out of the comet's interior.

When solar radiation heats the comet's insides, the pressure builds up and the comet violently explodes, shooting its frosty guts out into space through large cracks in the nucleus's shell.

Why Is It Nicknamed The Devil Comet?

After an explosion, a bunch of gas and dust were blown off the comet and brightened it by around 100 times taking it from a magnitude 17 to magnitude 12.  The explosion caused the coma to take the shape of horns, or a horseshoe.  Others say it looks like the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.

Some Say It's Headed Straight For Earth.  Are We In Danger?

No.  Astronomy says it will pass between the outside orbit of the Earth and the inside orbit of Venus and will head on out back into the solar system.  The closest it will be to Earth is in June 2024.

It Will Be Easy To See The Devil Comet During The Solar Eclipse

They say that Comet Pons-Brooks will be in the sky near the sun during the total solar eclipse.  Scientists think it will be easy to see with binoculars, and if it has another explosion, we may be able to see it with the naked eye during the eclipse.

Check Out Pictures Of The Devils Comet 👇🔽⬇