Jakarta –
Astronomers say a giant “devil’s comet” will soon pass by Earth for the first time in seven decades. Interestingly, the general public can see comets as they pass through the sky just with binoculars or even with the naked eye!
This is because this devil’s comet is very bright compared to other comets. Quoted from ABC News, Tuesday (31/10/2023), it is known that this comet is officially known as 12P/Pons-Brooks.
However, why did it get the nickname Devil’s Comet? Read the explanation.
Origin of the Name Devil’s Comet
Basically, comets consist of dust, frozen gas, ice and rocks that were bound together due to the formation of the solar system. The closer it is to the sun, the comet’s temperature will warm and its color will become brighter.
Meanwhile, the ice will turn into gas and remove dust. The dust will change to form a tail which is often associated with comets.
Previously it was stated that the devil’s comet would be very bright compared to the others, this is related to two large eruptions that occurred in July and October 2023.
Dr Theodore Kareta, a researcher at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, stated that not many comets experience multiple explosions in one orbit like 12P/Pons-Brooks. So this allows for a very strong increase in brightness that can be seen directly.
“This explosion changed this object from a fairly faint state to something bright enough that you could see it with a professional telescope or something that people would see from their backyard,” he said.
The name devil’s comet was attached to 12P/Pons-Brooks because the hazy cloud present in the comet’s nucleus has an unusual shape. This shape is like two horns which apparently consist of gas and ice.
This horn also originated because 12P/Pons-Brooks experienced many eruptions over time. In fact, if you look at the history of its naming, 12P/Pons-Brooks is known to refer to two figures, namely Jean-Louis Pons who discovered it in 1812 and William Robert Brooks in 1883.
Doesn’t Harm the Earth
It is known that 12P/Pons-Brooks is a Halley type comet which has an orbital period of between 20-200 years. In his case, this comet passes Earth once every 71 years.
Thus, this comet was last seen in 1954 with a diameter of at least 17 kilometers according to scientists. Despite its threatening name and size, experts say 12P/Pons-Brooks does not pose any threat to Earth and humans.
It is estimated that it will be visible on June 2 2024, which is the right moment for humans to enjoy celestial objects. This comet will cross Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks can be seen with the naked eye with one condition, namely that there are no clouds that night. So that the beauty of this comet can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Watch the video “Comet Nishimura will be visible in the early hours of September 12”
(it/nah)
2023-10-31 04:30:21
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