Nasa Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks 2024- Discover the breathtaking journey of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks as it approaches Earth and the Sun in 2024. Learn how to observe this rare celestial event, its perihelion timing, and the impact of its outbursts on its visibility.”
Experience the celestial spectacle of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks as it embarks on its rare journey towards the Sun. This cosmic event, a potential once-in-a-lifetime sight, features the comet illuminating and diminishing in brightness, adorned with what seems like devilish horns. NASA reveals that the comet is on a 71-year orbit, reaching as far as Neptune and as near as Venus. Despite its tilted orbit, Earth remains safe from collision.
Spanning 18 miles in diameter, Comet Pons-Brooks has fascinated astronomers for centuries, noted for its dramatic gas outbursts. The comet was first spotted by Jean-Louis Pons in the early 19th century, and its unique characteristics have been recorded over the years, including a split tail phenomenon.
Historical observations by comet enthusiasts like William R. Brooks have enriched our understanding of this celestial body. NASA explains that the comet’s luminosity is due to gas and dust eruptions from its surface.
As the comet approaches between March and April, it’s expected to become visible to the naked eye, especially by late March. A recent NASA image showcased the comet’s striking features: a light blue tail, green outer coma, and a red glowing gas spiral, possibly caused by its slowly rotating nucleus.
For the best viewing experience, look towards the west-northwest sky at dusk near the Pisces constellation. Additionally, during the total solar eclipse on April 8, the comet will be approximately 25 degrees from the Sun, offering a unique viewing opportunity, though its brightness at that time remains uncertain.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Devil Comet,” is generating excitement among astronomers and sky enthusiasts as it nears Earth and the Sun in 2024. This Halley-type periodic comet, with an orbit lasting about 71 years, is currently observable in dark skies and has been passing through various constellations, including Andromeda and Pisces, heading towards Aries.
The comet’s closest approach to the Sun, or perihelion, will occur on April 21, 2024, in the constellation Taurus, at which point it’s expected to shine at around magnitude 3.0, potentially making it visible to the naked eye. During its journey, the comet is experiencing outbursts that significantly increase its brightness and visibility. These outbursts are thought to be driven by the release of gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from beneath its surface.
Key dates to observe Comet Pons-Brooks include April 10, when it will pass close to the thin lunar crescent, and April 12, when it will be near Jupiter and Uranus. The comet is also expected to be visible during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, making it a particularly intriguing subject for skywatchers.
After perihelion, the comet will become more challenging to observe from the Northern Hemisphere as it moves towards the constellation Orion, becoming a treat for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. By June 2, 2024, when it is closest to Earth, it will have dimmed but should still be visible with binoculars.
This celestial event is a rare opportunity to observe a comet that has been recorded in astronomical records since as far back as 245 A.D., continuing to fascinate astronomers and the public alike with its dynamic behavior and spectacular appearances in the night sky.
For more detailed viewing information and historical context on Comet Pons-Brooks, you can refer to the detailed observations and explanations provided by sources like EarthSky, Wikipedia, Sky & Telescope, and Star Walk【7†source】【8†source】【9†source】【10†source】.
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