Astronomers predict that a comet larger than Mount Everest may be visible without a telescope in the upcoming weeks, as it makes its first appearance in the inner solar system in over 70 years.

This comet is considered a Halley-type, which means it will appear once or potentially twice in a person’s lifetime. It is known as 12P/Pons-Brooks and travels around the sun every 71.3 years, with its closest approach scheduled for 21 April.

Some sources claim that 12P/Pons-Brooks was observed as early as the 14th century, but it is officially named after the French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons who identified it in 1812 and the British-American astronomer William Robert Brooks who studied it during its subsequent orbit in 1883.

Believed to contain a nucleus approximately 30km (20 miles) wide, this object is categorized as a cryovolcanic comet. This indicates that it releases dust, gases, and ice when internal pressure increases due to heating.

An incident in the previous year resulted in a significant increase in its brightness, earning it the nickname “the Devil Comet” due to the horn-shaped haze surrounding it.

Astrophysicist Dr. Paul Strøm from the University of Warwick predicts that the comet, which has already been seen in the night sky with a distinctive green hue, will become even brighter in the upcoming weeks. He anticipates that it will reach a magnitude of 4.5, making it visible from dark areas in the UK.

“The comet will travel from the Andromeda constellation to Pisces, and during its journey, it will encounter nearby bright stars that can aid in its visibility on specific dates. Specifically, on March 31st, the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will be within 0.5 degrees of the prominent star Hamal,” he stated.

However, Dr. Robert Massey, the deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, mentioned that even if the comet were to become more luminous, it could still be challenging to observe. He emphasized that basic tools like small telescopes would greatly assist in its visibility.

Massey suggested using a decent pair of binoculars to search for it, and also mentioned the helpfulness of sky-mapping apps.

At this time, the most optimal vantage point for viewing the comet is in the northern part of the world. Massey recommends going outside on a cloudless evening and searching for it low in the western part of the sky as night begins. It’s important to avoid any fog, the glare of the moon, and artificial lighting.

Strøm said that together with asteroids, comets were often regarded as the unused building blocks of the solar system, providing insights into the conditions under which it formed.

Massey noted that he found fulfillment in witnessing a comet that had been documented only a few times since its original identification. He stated, “Simply contemplating this fact is a pleasant thought.”

Source: theguardian.com