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”.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/volcanoes-fault-zone-filled-lake-baikal-gearing-up-for-earthquake-study-hints-so-708053">Volcanoes, fault zone filled Lake Baikal gearing up for earthquake? Study hints so</a>

It orbits around the sun in a highly elliptical pattern approximately every 71 years, and its appearance is a rare event.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

"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."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/zombie-like-stars-appear-extremely-youthful-at-milky-ways-centre-how-by-devouring-others-707998">The gruesome reason zombie-like stars at centre of Milky Way look youthful for their age</a>

<h2>Devil Comet in the sky: How to watch it?</h2>

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.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/four-nasa-pilots-to-chase-solar-eclipse-on-april-8-capture-never-seen-view-708046">Four NASA pilots to chase solar eclipse on April 8 to capture never-before-seen views</a>

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.&nbsp;

<h2>Is it visible in India?</h2>

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)

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.

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”. Also Read | Volcanoes, fault zone filled Lake Baikal gearing up for earthquake? Study hints so 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." Also Read | The gruesome reason zombie-like stars at centre of Milky Way look youthful for their age 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. Also Read | Four NASA pilots to chase solar eclipse on April 8 to capture never-before-seen views 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)

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

A massive volcanic eruption on 'Devil&nbsp;Comet', as it races towards Earth and might make its closest approach next year, is likely to have removed its distinctive 'horns' that earned it the sinister nickname. 
 
After the latest and most violent outburst last week, the comet's trademark head spikes were not seen as they did after earlier eruptions. However, astronomers noticed many new characteristics in the Devil Comet, which included a mysterious "shadow” and a rare green hue. 
 
The massive 10.5-mile-wide (17-kilometre) 'Devil Comet', scientific&nbsp;name&nbsp; 12P/Pons-Brooks (12P), has been hurtling towards Earth and will make its closest approach of more than 70 years next summer. 
 
Comet 12P is cryovolcanic, meaning it has an icy shell, or nucleus filled with gas and ice. After the comet absorbs enough radiation from the sun, its cryomagma or frosty innards get superheated. The pressure increases inside the nucleus till the shell cracks and the icy guts of the comet spray into space.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-devil-comet-hurtling-towards-earth-bring-devastation-heres-what-scientists-suggest-649879">Will 'Devil Comet' hurtling towards Earth bring devastation? Here's what scientists suggest</a>

After every eruption, the comet's dust and a fuzzy, reflective cloud of cryomagma expand and make it appear brighter to astronomers. Till now, the comet had three major eruptions. One took place on July 20 when it was seen exploding for the first time in 69 years and the other explosion happened on October 5 when the eruption was more vigorous; and the third on Halloween (October 31) which was a comparatively less intense outburst.

<h2>Why do horns appear on the comet and will they appear in future?</h2>

Every time an explosion occurred on the comet, its coma took an irregular shape with a "dark lane" which made it appear to have grown a pair of horns. On November 14, the comet had another major eruption, which was the most extreme outburst till now. 
 
Astronomers watched as the comet became more than 100 times brighter than normal for some days after its coma expanded, reported Spaceweather.com. However, this time they could not see its distinctive horns. 
 
"The coma seems perfectly circular this time," said Nick James, director of the British Astronomical Association's (BAA) comet section, while speaking to Spaceweather.com.

Watch:&nbsp;SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-22-starlink-satellites-into-orbit-launched-from-vandenberg-space-force-base-wion-661028/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Speaking to Live Science, BAA astronomer Richard Miles said that the comet's horns appeared because of an irregularity in the shape of 12P's nucleus. The outflowing gas will be partially obstructed by a notch which is sticking out on the nucleus, he added. 
 
Amateur astronomer and photographer Eliot Herman, who has been capturing the comet since the first eruption took place, was surprised to see the coma expanding without the appearance of horns.

He told Live Science he is unsure if another appearance will be made by them in the future.

"The devil may be gone [for good]," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A massive volcanic eruption on 'Devil Comet', as it races towards Earth and might make its closest approach next year, is likely to have removed its distinctive 'horns' that earned it the sinister nickname.

A massive volcanic eruption on 'Devil Comet', as it races towards Earth and might make its closest approach next year, is likely to have removed its distinctive 'horns' that earned it the sinister nickname. After the latest and most violent outburst last week, the comet's trademark head spikes were not seen as they did after earlier eruptions. However, astronomers noticed many new characteristics in the Devil Comet, which included a mysterious "shadow” and a rare green hue. The massive 10.5-mile-wide (17-kilometre) 'Devil Comet', scientific name 12P/Pons-Brooks (12P), has been hurtling towards Earth and will make its closest approach of more than 70 years next summer. Comet 12P is cryovolcanic, meaning it has an icy shell, or nucleus filled with gas and ice. After the comet absorbs enough radiation from the sun, its cryomagma or frosty innards get superheated. The pressure increases inside the nucleus till the shell cracks and the icy guts of the comet spray into space. Also read: Will 'Devil Comet' hurtling towards Earth bring devastation? Here's what scientists suggest After every eruption, the comet's dust and a fuzzy, reflective cloud of cryomagma expand and make it appear brighter to astronomers. Till now, the comet had three major eruptions. One took place on July 20 when it was seen exploding for the first time in 69 years and the other explosion happened on October 5 when the eruption was more vigorous; and the third on Halloween (October 31) which was a comparatively less intense outburst. Why do horns appear on the comet and will they appear in future? Every time an explosion occurred on the comet, its coma took an irregular shape with a "dark lane" which made it appear to have grown a pair of horns. On November 14, the comet had another major eruption, which was the most extreme outburst till now. Astronomers watched as the comet became more than 100 times brighter than normal for some days after its coma expanded, reported Spaceweather.com. However, this time they could not see its distinctive horns. "The coma seems perfectly circular this time," said Nick James, director of the British Astronomical Association's (BAA) comet section, while speaking to Spaceweather.com. Watch: SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base Speaking to Live Science, BAA astronomer Richard Miles said that the comet's horns appeared because of an irregularity in the shape of 12P's nucleus. The outflowing gas will be partially obstructed by a notch which is sticking out on the nucleus, he added. Amateur astronomer and photographer Eliot Herman, who has been capturing the comet since the first eruption took place, was surprised to see the coma expanding without the appearance of horns. He told Live Science he is unsure if another appearance will be made by them in the future. "The devil may be gone [for good]," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Devil Comet' heading towards Earth loses its iconic horns and turns green after explosion

Devil Comet with horns, the colossal, cryovolcanic comet three times the size of Mount Everest, has once again experienced an explosive event as it makes its way towards our planet Earth.

<h2>Devil Comet with horns</h2>

The colossal comet got the name after two devil-like horns were observed during its previous outbursts. However, this time astronomers did not spot signs of a dark lane in the comet's coma — a hazy cloud which surrounds its nucleus.

It is also known as 12P/Pons-Brooks and just a couple of days back (on Tuesday), it exploded for the fourth time.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-baffled-by-mysterious-space-explosions-called-tasmanian-devil-659479">Dead star called 'Tasmanian devil' releasing signs of life months after explosion</a>

As per an Earth.com report, experts say this might've been its biggest outburst yet. Daily Mail reports that this caused the comet to abruptly brighten more than 100 times, to shine as bright as the Elliptical Galaxy located some 600 million light-years from Earth.

Described as a 'cold volcano', the space rock is about 18 miles in diameter. It is called a cold volcano because it violently ejects ice and gas.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous explosions of Devil Comet</h2>

The last outburst of the so-called Devil Comet happened only two weeks back.

As per Elliot Herman, who has been tracking the comet, "Comet 12P appears to be manifesting more frequent outbursts, a new outburst only two weeks from the prior outburst is now apparent."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-scientists-detect-eerie-green-glow-in-night-sky-of-mars-659465">In a first, scientists detect eerie green glow in night sky of Mars</a>

"This new outburst is the fourth since the July outburst began the show. Gaps due to cloudy nights."

Its previous outbursts were observed on July 20, and October 5th and the last one happened on November 1st.

The comet will reach its closest point in its orbit of Earth in June 2024. However, it is not a danger to the planet. As estimates say, it will pass by at a safe distance.

Following this, the devil&nbsp;comet with horns will not return for decades, until the year 2095.

Devil Comet with horns, the colossal, cryovolcanic comet three times the size of Mount Everest, has once again experienced an explosive event as it makes its way towards our planet Earth.

Devil Comet with horns, the colossal, cryovolcanic comet three times the size of Mount Everest, has once again experienced an explosive event as it makes its way towards our planet Earth. Devil Comet with horns The colossal comet got the name after two devil-like horns were observed during its previous outbursts. However, this time astronomers did not spot signs of a dark lane in the comet's coma — a hazy cloud which surrounds its nucleus. It is also known as 12P/Pons-Brooks and just a couple of days back (on Tuesday), it exploded for the fourth time. Also read | Dead star called 'Tasmanian devil' releasing signs of life months after explosion As per an Earth.com report, experts say this might've been its biggest outburst yet. Daily Mail reports that this caused the comet to abruptly brighten more than 100 times, to shine as bright as the Elliptical Galaxy located some 600 million light-years from Earth. Described as a 'cold volcano', the space rock is about 18 miles in diameter. It is called a cold volcano because it violently ejects ice and gas. Previous explosions of Devil Comet The last outburst of the so-called Devil Comet happened only two weeks back. As per Elliot Herman, who has been tracking the comet, "Comet 12P appears to be manifesting more frequent outbursts, a new outburst only two weeks from the prior outburst is now apparent." Also read | In a first, scientists detect eerie green glow in night sky of Mars "This new outburst is the fourth since the July outburst began the show. Gaps due to cloudy nights." Its previous outbursts were observed on July 20, and October 5th and the last one happened on November 1st. The comet will reach its closest point in its orbit of Earth in June 2024. However, it is not a danger to the planet. As estimates say, it will pass by at a safe distance. Following this, the devil comet with horns will not return for decades, until the year 2095.

Devil Comet with horns, hurtling towards Earth, has exploded a fourth time

devils-comet

Devil's Comet, News on Devil's Comet, stories on Devil's Comet, articles on Devil's Comet, Devil's Comet stories at Wion, Devil's Comet news, Devil's Comet latest news

devils comet

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

'Devil Comet' heading towards Earth loses its iconic horns and turns green after explosion

Devil Comet with horns, hurtling towards Earth, has exploded a fourth time