This Monday, April 8, one of the most anticipated astronomical phenomena of the entire year 2024 will take place. Millions of people from various countries around the world will be able to enjoy a spectacle in which, in the middle of the day, night will arrive for a few minutes. A total solar eclipse that will also allow us to see comet 12P/Pons-Brook with the naked eye.
Also known as ‘Devil’s Comet’, this Halley-type celestial body orbits the Sun every 71.2 years, so it will not pass again until the end of this century. In Spain it will be possible to see it before it reaches its perihelion (the point in the orbit of a planet closest to the Sun), something that will happen next April 21.
This comet, three times larger than Everest and with a nucleus that measures 35 kilometers in diameter, receives its nickname ‘devil’ from a type of horns that it appears to have. Some protuberances that, in reality, are the result of two internal fractures that occurred recently, and that caused a notable loss of ice and dust, materials that compose it.
Although it can be seen thanks to the appropriate tools for astronomical observation, it will be in these next few hours when it can be enjoyed with the naked eye. Halley-type comets are named for the duration of their orbit, with periods between 20 and 200 years. The comet was discovered in 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons, and later by Williams Robert Brooks in 1883 (with a difference of 71 years, their orbit). Therefore, it is named after its two first discoverers.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ECLIPSE
In the middle of last year it was already visible as it passed through the sky. According to EarthSky, on its way towards the vicinity of the Sun, comet 12P/Pons-Brook had its first outburst on July 20, and could be detected by astronomical photographers. An outburst is the sudden release of dust and gas, which increases the brightness of comets.
During this time there have been more explosions and more are expected to occur, so it will be more visible. In accordance with Star Walk, can be seen during the eclipse on April 8 at 27 degrees from the sun and very close to Jupiter. In Spain it can be detected looking west-northwest from sunset.
How to see Devil’s Comet
As with all astronomical phenomena, we must look for a high place (like a mountain, if possible) that is away from all light pollution. Likewise, it is important to be clear about the location of the phenomenon and when we can see it.
Related news
For the comet, the ideal is also to have binoculars that help us better see the area of the horizon where it will appear.
Follow the Diario AS channel on WhatsAppwhere you will find all the sport in a single space: the current news of the day, the agenda with the latest news of the most important sporting events, the most outstanding images, the opinion of the best AS brands, reports, videos, and some humor from time to time.
