Scientists say there’s no need to worry about a rare exploding “Devil’s Comet” more than three times the size of Mount Everest set to light up Earth’s skies in April.
The comet, known in scientific circles as 12P/Pons Brooks, is one of the few comets to orbit an active cryovolcano, said Richard Miles of the British Astronomical Society. The nickname “Devil” came after astronomers discovered “horns” around its core in July.
“The two ‘horns’ may be caused by an oddly shaped cryovolcanic vent with some kind of blockage, causing material to be ejected in an odd flow pattern,” Miles said. told astronomer Dr. Tony Phillips. space weather. Some people have compared 12P to the spacecraft “Millennium Falcon.” Star Wars.
The comet, which erupted in July for the first time in 69 years, has a diameter of 30.6 miles, about the size of a small city. For reference, Mount Everest is approximately 5.5 miles tall.
Astronomers have reported that the Devil’s Comet, estimated to be three times the size of Mount Everest, is heading towards Earth.
Also known as Comet 12P/Ponsbrooks, this comet orbits the Sun every 71.2 years. An explosion occurred in July, spewing out a mass of dust and gas that curved into a horn-like shape. pic.twitter.com/Co6ji6aOOJ
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Despite its violent nature, Earth is in no danger of being hit by a giant space traveler. Instead, experts believe it will fly close enough to be visible to the naked eye.
“It may be bright enough to be seen with the naked eye or binoculars, but it’s not because it’s so close,” said Teddy Kaleta, a postdoctoral fellow at Lowell Observatory. insider. “That’s because it’s so bright overall.”
“We know it’s big. We know it’s an outlier. We know this comet is rare,” Kaleta said, adding, “A lot of people are curious about this comet. I’m really excited,” he added.
Dr. Phillips noted that the comet will become visible just before the impending solar eclipse in early April.
“12P will reach its maximum brightness just a few days before the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Skywatchers in the path of the total solar eclipse may be able to look up and see the explosion for themselves. “No,” Phillips wrote.
Scientists predict that the comet will be about 232 million kilometers from Earth, or 144,158,116 miles, at its closest approach. After the visit, 12P will be “catapulted back into the solar system and will not make a return to space tour until 2095.” new york post I will report.
12P was first discovered in 1812 by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons, and again in 1883. It is classified as a “periodic” comet with an orbital period of approximately 71 years. sky live report.
