The devil comet, also known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is a rare spectacle akin to the infamous Halley’s Comet. It follows a lengthy 71-year orbit around the sun, making its appearance a momentous occasion. While it has been gradually approaching Earth, it is only now becoming visible in the Northern Hemisphere. We are fortunate to have the best viewing opportunity from tonight until the end of March.
To maximize your experience during this extraordinary opportunity, there are a few steps you should take. Firstly, if feasible, find a location that is free from excessive light pollution. Additionally, consider bringing binoculars or a compact telescope, depending on your specific location.
Experts Say Now is the Perfect Time to View the Rare Devil Comet
According to Dr. Paul Chodas, manager of the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, and Davide Farnocchia, navigation engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the comet will become brighter as it approaches the sun. It is expected to be visible to the naked eye in the western sky about an hour after sunset.
On April 8, an even more spectacular event will occur. The devil comet will be approximately 25 degrees away from the sun, allowing it to be visible during the total eclipse. This timing is extremely rare, adding to the awe and making the remainder of this month and the next truly unforgettable.