Rare Devil's Comet is now visible in the night sky. Here's how to watch it in India

An unusual “horned” comet, also known as Devil Comet is now visible in the night sky, and may even be seen to the naked eyes in a few days to come. As per scientists and observers, the comet will make its rare appearance during the 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8.

The comet, which is scientifically called Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is cryovolcanic i.e. a cold comet. It is composed of dust, rock and ice, and expel gas. It is huge with a colossal diameter of 30 kilometres and has a horned-like appearance, from where it earned the nickname “Devil Comet”.

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It orbits around the sun in a highly elliptical pattern approximately every 71 years, and its appearance is a rare event.

The comet will make its closest approach to the sun on April 21. Meanwhile, on its way, it will be fairly close to the sun during the April 8 solar eclipse, which will offer many treats to skywatchers on that day.

"During the total eclipse, when the sky darkens, you'll see the brightest planet Venus pop into view on one side of the sun," according to EarthSky.org. "On the other side of the sun, you'll find the second-brightest planet, Jupiter. And if Comet Pons-Brooks is bright enough, you'll see it between Jupiter and the sun, but closer to Jupiter."

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Devil Comet in the sky: How to watch it?

Well, the comet has already been spotted in the night sky and a few sky enthusiasts have also captured its once-in-a-lifetime appearance. But the good news is it is expected to become even brighter in the coming weeks. It will reach its ultimate brightness during April, especially at the time of the total solar eclipse.

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However, the visibility of Comet 12P during the April 8 eclipse will depend on its brightness that day. It is not the first time that an eclipse and comet will make an appearance together, but it is rare to see these phenomena coincide.

Is it visible in India?

The Devil Comet is visible in India as well, in the western sky after sunset. For now, one has to use binoculars to have a clear view, but in a few days near to the April 8 eclipse it will also become visible to the naked eye.

The comet occasionally erupts when radiation from the sun cracks open its icy shell, allowing it to shoot cryomagma- a combination of ice and gas, into space. The comet's coma, the cloud of gas and dust enveloping its core, intensifies following these eruptions, lending the comet a noticeably brighter appearance for several days.

(With inputs from agencies)