"2024's 'Devil Comet': A Once-in-a-Lifetime Sky Spectacle"

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Source: BBC Science Focus
"2024's 'Devil Comet': A Once-in-a-Lifetime Sky Spectacle"
Photo: BBC Science Focus
TL;DR Summary

The 12P/Pons-Brooks comet, comparable in size to Mount Everest, is making its first appearance in over 70 years and can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope until April 21, 2024. It will be best visible towards the end of March and may brighten enough to be visible to the naked eye. The comet, known for its cryovolcanic eruptions, is expected to reach its perihelion on April 21. The 12P in its name signifies that it was the 12th comet observed to periodically return, and it is a Halley-type comet with an orbital period of 71.3 years. Additionally, the 13P/Olbers comet and C/2023 A3 comet are expected to be visible later in 2024.

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