"Devilish" comet will reach its peak brightness over the Earth: date X is announced
The year 2024 is quite rich in astronomical events. Most recently, the inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere observed a unique solar eclipse, and soon humanity will see the "devilish" comet.
With any luck, astronomy enthusiasts will have a chance to see the celestial body with the naked eye. LiveScience told us when and where it will be possible to do so.
On April 21, the 17-kilometer-wide comet 12P/Ponce-Brooks, also known as the "Devil's Comet" or "Mother of Dragons", will reach its peak brightness and will be at a distance of only 232 million kilometers from the Sun.
If it flares up like it did in July 2023, it will be visible in the western sky a few days before and after the 21st, right after it gets dark. Last year, 12P/Ponce-Brooks not only brightened, but also grew two "horns" due to the sun's heat. That is why it was called the "devil's" comet.
The characteristic horns of a "devil" comet.
Source: twitter.com/comet_chasers
However, recent observations have shown that the comet no longer has these "horns".
Frank Maloney, an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, noted that despite the fact that the comet will be at its peak brightness, it is still quite far from Earth. Therefore, there is a possibility that the celestial body may not be visible to the naked eye.
Therefore, those who want to see the "devil's comet" should find a telescope or a camera or binoculars for stargazing.
It's also worth noting that observers in northern latitudes may find it difficult to see the comet, as it will be located in the glow of the setting sun.
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