Ice volcano and horns: ‘Devil Comet’ approaching, when to catch its spectacular display in the sky

An astronomical spectacle is headed our way as the colossal "Devil Comet," known for its ice volcano and distinctive "horns," makes its way toward Earth. While this massive celestial visitor might seem ominous with its fiery moniker, experts assure that it poses no danger to humanity. Let's explore the fascinating world of this enigmatic comet and when it's set to light up our skies.

The Devil Comet Approaches Earth

Astronomer Teddy Kareta, a postdoctoral researcher at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, recently shed light on the awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon that is the "Devil Comet." Also known by its scientific name, 12P/Pons-Brooks, this comet first graced our skies in 1812, with a subsequent appearance in 1883, as reported by SkyLive. This periodic comet follows a lengthy orbital path, returning to our vicinity roughly every 71 years.

The Peculiar Charm of Ice Volcano Comets

One of the most remarkable aspects of this cosmic traveler is its status as one of just around 20 comets with an active ice volcano. These unique "cold volcano comets" contain a fascinating mix of ice, dust, and gas known as cryomagma. They are characterized by a surrounding gas that seeps out from within, creating a captivating cosmic display, according to The British Astronomical Association, as reported by Live Science.

A Brilliant Appearance on the Horizon

The Devil Comet is set to dazzle earthlings in mid-April next year (2024) when it reaches its brightest phase. At that time, it will be positioned approximately 232 million kilometers (or 144,158,116 miles) away from Earth. While it might not become a household name like a total solar eclipse, the comet is anticipated to be a splendid celestial sight, visible not only to stargazers with the naked eye but also to those with basic binoculars or a starter backyard telescope, as shared by Kareta.

The Element of Surprise in Comets

Comets are renowned for their unpredictability, especially regarding their brightness as they approach Earth. As Kareta aptly puts it, it's a "wait and see" situation for sky-watchers who eagerly anticipate the Devil Comet's arrival. Its fluctuating brilliance adds to the allure of these celestial wanderers.

The Enigmatic "Horns" of the Devil

The Devil Comet earned its curious moniker when astronomers identified striking "horns" protruding from its nucleus. These are actually tails of gas and dust that result from unusual outbursts still being studied by scientists. These outbursts are when comets suddenly become more active, expelling gas and dust at an increased rate.

"The comet brightens really rapidly and then sort of fades back to the brightness it had before," Kareta explained. "And in Pons-Brooks, these are really, really bright — really, really large outbursts. And this is what makes this comet so interesting to scientists," he told Insider.

A Cosmic Enigma

The Devil Comet's nucleus stretches approximately 12.4 miles, nearly twice the size of Mount Everest, according to astronomers' estimates. This colossal size sets it apart from typical comets, which generally measure between 0.6 and 1.8 miles in width. This distinctiveness has generated significant excitement among both astronomers and the general public.

As the Devil Comet's eagerly anticipated appearance in our night skies approaches, experts recommend keeping a close watch on updates and developments related to this extraordinary celestial event. Rest assured, this "Devil" may have horns, but it brings with it a mesmerizing show that's set to light up our Earthly skies.

FAQs

Has a comet ever hit Earth?
Around fifteen million years in the past, a colossal celestial object, measuring about 1500 meters (approximately 5000 feet) in diameter, impacted this area, resulting in the excavation of over a trillion tons of material, which was dispersed across Europe. Such cosmic events occur roughly once every million years or thereabouts.

Do comets pose a threat to Earth?
Occasionally, the gravitational forces, orbital interactions, and cosmic collisions in outer space can disrupt the trajectory of an asteroid or comet, sending them on erratic paths that bring them close to Earth, potentially posing an impact risk. Fortunately, the majority of these celestial objects are relatively small and do not pose a significant threat of causing harm.