NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, nicknamed “The Devil’s Comet” because of its horned appearance, made headlines as it streaked past Earth and flared up on its way around the Sun. Despite the ominous name, scientists assure that this celestial phenomenon does not pose any threat to our planet. Moreover, the size and behavior of the comet make it an interesting object of study.
The last time Devil’s Comet appeared in the Earth’s sky was more than 70 years ago. Astronomers estimate the size of the comet’s nucleus, that is, its solid part, to be about 12.4 miles across, which is twice the size of Everest. This is a significant departure from the norm, since most comets are between 0.6 and 1.8 miles wide.
Teddy Kareta, a postdoctoral fellow at Lowell Observatory, explains that Comet Devil is not only large, but also rare. Her next appearance is expected next spring, but don’t worry – she won’t be rushing towards us. At its closest point, it will still be further from the Earth than the Sun.
Comet Devil stands out not only for its size, but also for its brightness, as well as its peculiar behavior. The “horns” that give it its devilish nickname are actually tails of gas and dust created by explosive flares that scientists are still trying to understand. Two such flares have already been observed this year – one in July, another earlier this month.
According to Carriage, such flares occur when comets become significantly more active, emitting huge amounts of gas and dust in a short period of time. The
comet then quickly brightens before returning to its previous level of brightness. What makes Devil’s Comet so What’s intriguing is the intensity and frequency of these flares.
Scientists are puzzled by the frequency and location of these explosive events. One theory is that comets contain certain forms of ice that, when first exposed to the sun’s heat, cause explosions of volatiles. However, such explosions are usually observed closer to Solar explosions occur infrequently, perhaps twice every five years.
Comet Pons-Brooks, on the contrary, explodes more often and at a considerable distance from the Sun. It is currently even further away from us than Mars, where temperatures are not particularly warm. This raises the question of where the energy for such strong flares comes from and why they occur so often.
As Comet Devil continues its 71.2-year journey around the Sun, it is expected to peak in brightness in mid-April 2024. This celestial spectacle is eagerly awaited by both professional astronomers and amateur stargazers.
Teddy Carriage believes that many people are looking forward to the appearance of Devil’s Comet and its unique characteristics. It serves as a reminder of the vast mysteries that lie beyond our planet and opens the door to scientific discovery.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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