In April 2024, while the total solar eclipse was a celestial focus, the “Devil Comet” known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks also caught the attention of skywatchers. This comet, named for its unique appearance and rare proximity to Earth, has a “horned” appearance, making it stand out from other astronomical objects. Comets, often referred to as “cosmic snowballs” by NASA, are composed of dust, rock, and ice, and orbit the sun in a highly elliptical path, spending years in the depths of the solar system before returning closer to the sun. They come in varying sizes, with a solid nucleus and an expanding coma as they near the sun, releasing dust and gas as the ice sublimates.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is notable for its bright appearance when it nears Earth every 71 years. First spotted in 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons and then again in 1883 by William Brooks, this comet is similar to Halley’s Comet in that it regularly returns to the inner solar system. Classified as a short-period comet, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was given its ominous nickname in July 2023 due to an outburst that caused it to brighten significantly. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the horn-like structures on the comet, astronomers suggest they may result from an uneven ejection of gas and dust or a shadow effect when observed from Earth.
Comets like 12P/Pons-Brooks are primarily composed of ice, dust, and rock, and are cryovolcanic, meaning they erupt water, ammonia, or methane rather than molten rock. The “Mother of Dragons” comet is associated with the kappa-Draconids meteor shower and was viewable from the Northern Hemisphere in spring 2024, best seen with binoculars or a small telescope after the sun lowered below the horizon. Despite achieving peak visibility on April 21, 2024, its brightest appearance in 71 years, the comet does not pose a threat to Earth as its inclined trajectory keeps it away from Earth’s path, weaving between the orbits of Earth and Venus before exiting the inner solar system.
The unique appearance and periodic visitation of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks draw attention from astronomers and skywatchers alike. Its relatively bright appearance when near Earth, unusual horn-like structures, and outbursts that cause it to brighten significantly make it an intriguing object to observe. While its nickname may evoke a sense of foreboding, the comet’s trajectory keeps it at a safe distance from Earth. With advances in technology, astronomers are able to study and track comets like 12P/Pons-Brooks more closely, providing valuable insights into these cosmic objects and their behavior as they orbit the sun.
