Ice volcano and horns: ‘Devil Comet’ approaching, when to catch its spectacular display in the sky
Devil Comet," known for its ice volcano and distinctive «horns,» makes its way toward Earth. While this massive celestial visitor might seem ominous with its fiery moniker, experts assure that it poses no danger to humanity. Let's explore the fascinating world of this enigmatic comet and when it's set to light up our skies.
The Devil Comet Approaches Earth
Astronomer Teddy Kareta, a postdoctoral researcher at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, recently shed light on the awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon that is the «Devil Comet.» Also known by its scientific name, 12P/Pons-Brooks, this comet first graced our skies in 1812, with a subsequent appearance in 1883, as reported by SkyLive. This periodic comet follows a lengthy orbital path, returning to our vicinity roughly every 71 years.
The Peculiar Charm of Ice Volcano Comets
One of the most remarkable aspects of this cosmic traveler is its status as one of just around 20 comets with an active ice volcano. These unique «cold volcano comets» contain a fascinating mix of ice, dust, and gas known as cryomagma. They are characterized by a surrounding gas that seeps out from within, creating a captivating cosmic display, according to The British Astronomical Association, as reported by Live Science.
A Brilliant Appearance on the Horizon
The Devil Comet is set to dazzle earthlings in mid-April next year (2024) when it reaches its brightest phase. At that time, it will be positioned approximately 232 million kilometers (or 144,158,116 miles) away from Earth. While it might not become a household name like a total solar eclipse, the comet is anticipated to be a splendid celestial sight, visible not only to stargazers with the naked eye but also to those with
