Scientists said that a huge “horned” comet, three times the size of Mount Everest, exploded and is now heading towards Earth.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is known for its cold volcanic activity, according to a report published in Live Science. Comet 12P was originally observed by Jean-Louis Pons in 1812, and is said to be one of 20 comets known to have active cryovolcanoes.
The comet is 18.6 miles in diameter and is equivalent to the size of a small city. For context, the tallest peak on Earth, Mount Everest, is 29,029 feet, or about 5.5 miles.
The comet exploded due to solar radiation on its interior, which led to increased pressure. This in turn forced its icy material to exit through the holes in its crust, creating the distinctive horn-like shape.
According to the New York Post, Richard Miles, a member of the British Astronomical Association (BAA), suggested that “the horns may be caused by a strangely shaped cryovolcanic vent with some kind of obstruction that causes material to be expelled.” “With a strange flow pattern.”
Some experts have pointed out that the comet’s irregular shape gives it the appearance of a sci-fi spacecraft, resembling the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.
The BAA was monitoring the comet closely, and scientists observed the second explosion on October 5. They noticed that Comet 12P became brighter than usual due to the additional light reflected from its expanded coma.
Images of the explosion were taken by José Manuel Pérez Redondo using the 2.0-meter Volksnorth telescope located on the Hawaiian island of Maui. While the comet is currently on its path toward Earth, it will take some time before it comes close to our planet.
According to LiveScience, the comet is expected to reach its closest approach to Earth on April 21, 2024. After that, it will be returned to the solar system and will not return until 2095.
