NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — An unusual celestial event awaits observers around the world: a large cosmic body exploded in space and is now moving towards Earth.
The comet, dubbed 12P/Ponce Brooks, has attracted the attention of astronomers due to its cryovolcanic nature. Scientists compare its size to three Everests, and it is truly impressive. At the moment, it is in the constellation Hercules, approaching our planet at an altitude of 36 degrees above the horizon.
As for the dangerous trajectory of the object, scientists advise not to worry about its possible collision with the Earth. Pieces of meteoroids left after a comet explosion do not pose a threat. However, they could form an incredible spectacle on April 21, 2024, when the comet will be at its closest point to Earth.
You don’t need a telescope to appreciate this amazing celestial phenomenon—pieces of the comet can be seen with the naked eye. This is the second time in four months that Ponce Brooks has given us this opportunity.
If you miss April 2024, don’t worry. The comet will be visible from May to June 2024, and will be brightest on the night of June 2. However, do not forget that after its approach to the Earth, pieces of the comet can only be seen in 2095.
Interestingly, Ponce Brooks bears some similarities to the famous Halley’s Comet, last seen with the naked eye almost 80 years ago. It orbits the Sun every 71 years. It is quite possible that in April 2024 we will have an excellent chance to see this celestial miracle.
Besides it, there is another volcanic comet, 29P / Schwassmann-Wachmann, which orbits the Sun at a speed of 42,000 km/h, following Jupiter. Its eruptions occur more frequently, and the last time was in December 2022.
So we have a unique opportunity to see something incredible in the night sky in the coming months.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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