A devil comet the size of Manhattan, known as 12P/Pons-Brooks, has been captivating stargazers with its spectacular and rare sightings. The celestial object has been hiding a spiraling swirl of red, green, and blue gas around its icy core, creating an enchanting yin-yang symbol in space. As it spins, the comet ejects streams of cryomagma, twisting them into the mesmerizing spirals seen in the recent images.
Named after two renowned comet hunters, the French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons and the British-American astronomer William Robert Brooks, 12P/Pons-Brooks, dubbed the “devil comet,” earned its moniker following an eruption last year, which left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice forming the shape of devil horns.
This rare and majestic celestial object, larger than Mount Everest, is made of dust and ice, leaving a bright green tail in its wake as it passes through the skies. With a size comparable to the bustling island of Manhattan, the devil comet offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for stargazers, as it only visits the Earth every 71 years.
Astronomers have heralded the upcoming opportunities to witness the devil comet’s stunning celestial display, emphasizing that it will be visible with binoculars and telescopes, and potentially even with the naked eye as it swings through the inner solar system. During next month’s highly anticipated solar eclipse, lucky stargazers may have the opportunity to spot the devil comet in the night sky, adding a celestial delight to this celestial event.
As the comet’s closest approach to the sun in mid-April approaches, it is expected that its visibility will increase, promising even more stunning displays for those gazing at the night sky across the Northern Hemisphere. With its mystical outbursts, eerie swirls, and bright green tail, the devil comet offers a truly extraordinary spectacle in the celestial realm, serving as a reminder of the magnificent wonders of the universe and the allure of stargazing.
