A cosmic mystery is about to unfold. The majestic comet 12P/Pons–Brooks, nicknamed Devil's Comet, due to the enigmatic "horns" that adorn its hair, approaches the Earth with impetuous grandeur. With an impressive estimate of diameter equal to 30 kilometers, this celestial wonder exudes an aura of grandeur and emotion. Scientists are amazed by the mysterious explosions that occur on its surface because they happen at distances unusually remote from the Sun's heat.
Devil's Comet approaches Earth
Currently, the “Devil's Comet” is located in the heart of the constellation of the Dragon, about 870 million kilometers away from Earth, and is slowly getting closer. The spring of 2024 promises an unparalleled spectacle as this exceptionally bright comet will become visible to the naked eye, even appearing in the daytime sky duringsolar eclipse of 2024.
Scientists calculate that the comet will reach its perihelion, the minimum distance from the Sun, the 21 April 2024, opening up the possibility of observing it with the naked eye thanks to its estimated maximum magnitude of -0,1. For reference, 6 represents the minimum required for naked-eye observation of celestial objects, making this comet extraordinarily visible.
As the "Devil's Comet" approaches our planet, its perigee, the minimum distance from Earth, will occur on June 2, 2024, when it will be over 230 million kilometers from us. In doing so, there is no collision risk, reassuring news considering that this comet has a diameter two to three times greater thanChicxulub asteroid, responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs.
A cryovolcanic comet
12P/Pons–Brooks is a periodic-type comet Halley, which returns to visit us every 71 years. Its distinguishing feature, however, is its status as a cryovolcanic comet, a cosmic rarity which triggers violent and unpredictable explosions. Her frozen heart releases volatile materials into space, creating her iconic “horned” hair and tail.
While solar radiation usually triggers these explosions, on the Devil's Comet they occur a extraordinary distances from the Sun, fueling the mystery. Scientists wonder where the energy for such explosions comes from and how it can generate so many of them at such short intervals. Two notable explosions occurred this year, increasing the comet's brightness by about a hundred times. These unpredictable phenomena promise an extraordinary spectacle for the next spring. Anyone who owns a telescope will have the opportunity to admire the Devil's Comet up close, while there is a good chance that it could be visible to the naked eye or with binoculars.
