O universe, with its infinite vastness and countless wonders, has the power to surprise us with stellar phenomena that defy understanding and capture the imagination.
In one of these rare moments, astronomers around the world turned their telescopes on a particularly remarkable celestial spectacle: a giant comet, three times larger than the iconic Mount Everest.
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While humanity continues its earthly daily life, heaven is preparing to present a cosmic dance that will be remembered for generations.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, with its impressive trajectory and unique features, is about to take center stage in our celestial vault.
(Illustrative image: disclosure)
Astronomers have identified that 12P/Pons-Brooks is accelerating towards our planet. However, experts say that the space rock poses no danger as it will not hit us.
In any case, this “celestial Mount Everest” can be seen with the naked eye on April 21, 2024, generating an incredible cosmic spectacle.
Intriguing Features
12P/Pons-Brooks is a rare type of comet called a cryovolcano, also known as an icy volcano. Its 30 km diameter solid core contains a mixture of ice, dust and gases.
When heated by the Sun, this internal mixture expands until gases such as nitrogen and carbon monoxide explode, releasing icy debris through large cracks.
A recurring show
This is not the first time the comet has put on a show. In the last four months, it has experienced two explosive episodes, creating formations that, when observed through a telescope, resemble a pair of horns.
A rarity in the skies
Although it is similar in size to the famous comet Halley, 12P/Pons-Brooks is less frequent in our skies. It was last seen with the naked eye in 1954.
Due to its 71-year orbit around the Sun, it is categorized alongside Halley's Comet, which takes around 75 years to travel the same route.
Close observation
The expectation is that Pons-Brooks will be more visible and brighter in the night sky on June 2, 2024, although it can already be observed in May of the same year.