Bright green ‘devil’s comet’ exploding with ‘cryomagma’ is visible in the sky
This month, a BRIGHT green comet will be streaking across the night sky – and you can see it if you know where to look.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks has been dubbed the “devilish” comet after it was imaged with a pair of “horns” in 2023.
The comet is just over 10 miles wide and orbits the sun every 71.32 years.
It is known for its flare-ups, which scientists have linked to ‘cryovolcanism’ – meaning it may be one of the few comets with active ice volcanoes.
These flare-ups can release ‘cryomagma’, a cold mix of these gas and hydrocarbons.
And you will be able to see the “exploding” comet in the sky night sky until the end of the month.
Scientists believe that comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was observed as early as 1385 in China and in 1457 in Italy.
But it was formally discovered on July 12, 1812 by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons.
It was later rediscovered by a British-born American astronomer William Robert Brooks on September 2, 1883.
Pons and Brooks were legendary and prolific comet hunters who found dozens during their careers.
It is currently visible near the Andromeda Galaxy (our nearest galactic neighbor) in a very rare conjunction.
HOW TO SEE COMET 12P/PONS-BROOKS
The comet can be seen in the early evening throughout the month of March.
By the end of the month, the comet is expected to be bright enough to be visible to the naked eye.
But astronomers recommend using binoculars or even a small telescope to get the best view of the comet – especially earlier in the month.
You can see it just above the horizon, looking west-northwest.
If you can locate the Great Square of Pegasus, the comet is just to the north – look at the top left corner of the square.
And it’s important not to miss it, because it will take another 71 years before it returns.
Astronomers suspect that you will be able to see it again in mid-2095.
If you’re having a hard time spotting it, one of the best tricks is to simply use an app like Night Sky on iPhone.
This allows you to use your phone to accurately locate virtually any astronomical object in real time.
What is the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet?
Here’s what you need to know, according to NASA…
- Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter), but they can be found anywhere (including on a path that could impact Earth)
- Meteoroid: When two asteroids collide, the small pieces that break off are called meteoroids
- Meteor: When a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it begins to evaporate and then becomes a meteor. On Earth it looks like a streak of light in the sky because the rock is burning up
- Meteorite: If a meteoroid does not completely evaporate and survive the journey through Earth’s atmosphere, it may land on Earth. At that point it becomes a meteorite
- Comet: Like asteroids, a comet revolves around the sun. But instead of being mostly rock, a comet contains a lot of ice and gas, which can result in the formation of amazing tails behind it (thanks to the evaporation of ice and dust).