Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will visit Earth again in 70 years

Although Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks' closest approach to Earth will only occur in June, we have been able to see it for some time. Observed over Poland. It's still quite faint, so we need the right equipment to be able to spot it. However, the most interesting time for its appearance has yet to come.

12P/Pons-Brooks is a periodic comet that returns to the Sun every 71 years. Therefore, this year we have a unique opportunity to celebrate it With the naked eye! Its peak brightness will be around 4.4, so if weather conditions are favourable, binoculars or a telescope will just add to the observations. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was last seen in 1954.

First, we need to buy binoculars or a telescope so we can see it in the night sky. Amazing thing Active objectIts name is due to the streams of dust and gas that form distinct angles around the nucleus.

It is best seen in the evening around 7 p.m., and can currently be seen near the Andromeda galaxy M31. Right now, its brightness makes it visible Through binoculars. However, its tail is only visible in pictures.

As the Polish website AstroBlogger reported: “At the beginning of the first and second week of March, the comet will pass only 10 degrees above the Andromeda Galaxy.”. You should look for it about 25 degrees above the horizon. Moreover, we can currently enjoy moonless nights, which is convenient for observation.

It is worth paying attention to the comet during the first days of April, because that is when perihelion will occur. As a result, the comet will glow and its brightness may reach 5 magnitudes. It will likely become brighter and brighter. On April 10, there will be a 12P/Pons-Brooks conjunction with the Moon, Jupiter and Uranus. In front of us The most interesting period for observing the cometBecause during its approach to Earth it will not be visible from Poland.

Currently, the horned comet is hurtling towards the Sun. Its rotation period is 71 yearsGiven the fact that it is one of the brightest periodic comets known, we are in for a fascinating sight. 12P/Pons-Brooks was discovered in 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons and then in 1883 by William Robert Brooks.

The closest approach to Earth will occur June 2, 2024.