"Iconic 'Devil Comet' Transforms into Green Spectacle after Volcanic Eruption"
The massive "devil comet" known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks has lost its iconic horns after its latest volcanic eruption, but has gained a rare green hue and a mysterious shadow. The comet, a cryovolcanic comet with an icy nucleus, has experienced three major eruptions, each time expanding its coma and appearing brighter to astronomers. The absence of horns suggests that the eruption may have damaged the obstruction that caused their formation. Additionally, the comet's coma now exhibits a green coloration due to high levels of dicarbon, and a shadow is believed to be cast by the outflowing cryomagma. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is expected to make its closest approach to Earth in June 2023.