What it is and how to see it

(CNN Spanish) — It took decades to wait, but Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Devil's Comet,” is now visible in Earth's night sky.

Currently it can be seen with focal instruments; However, it will be visible to the naked eye in the coming weeks, according to the Astronomy Picture of the Day website. Pot.

A virtual telescope project captured a view of the comet over Manciano in the Italian region of Tuscany under dark skies over the peninsula. Gianluca Masi/Virtual Telescope Project

Below is all the information you need to know to see this astronomical object.

What is the “Devil's Comet”?

Ponce-Brooks is a Halley's Comet It orbits our Sun once every 71 years Pot.

Comets are called 'Halley-type' because of their orbital periods: objects in this category have orbital periods between 20 and 200 years. Swinburne University (Australia).

Thus, Ponce-Brooks, within this range, is Halley's comet, which gives the category its name and visits the interior of our solar system once every 76 years.

About its nickname, NASA says, Ponce-Brooks called it the “Devil's Comet.” Horn shaped appearance.

According to the special site EarthskyThis comet was discovered by Jean-Louis Bonz in 1812 and then rediscovered by William Robert Brooks in 1883 (71 years difference, the period of the orbit), hence the name “Bonz-Brooks” for this astronomical object.

When and where to watch?

Comet Ponce-Brooks started leaving trails in the sky from the middle of last year.

Earthsky He points On its way closer to the Sun, the “Devil's Comet” had its first outburst on July 20, 2023, visible to astrophotographers.

The nuclei of comets typically produce explosions, according to the encyclopedia BritannicaSudden releases of dust and gas that increase the brightness of these objects.

Since then, Ponce-Brooks has produced more explosions and more are expected to come. What does this mean? The comet will shine brightly in the sky, making it easy to spot.

Now he pointed out PotThe comet can be seen in the northern Earth's night skies with the help of binoculars or binoculars.

However, as the comet approaches perihelion (closest point to the Sun), the chances of seeing it with the naked eye increase.

He Perihelion “Devil's Comet” will be on April 21. So, the object was visible to the naked eye in the night sky a month ago, said Alan Hale, co-discoverer of comet Hale-Pop and founder and president of Earthrise. cnn.

During the total solar eclipse on April 8, when the sky is dark, we can see Comet Ponce-Brooks. (Remember to use appropriate filters to view the eclipse, otherwise you risk serious damage to your vision).

When the comet passes perihelion on April 21 and begins to move away from the Sun, it will no longer be visible over North America and the planet. This means that it will be Earth's South's turn to warn of it later, so Earthsky notes that you should be alert to observe it from the end of April and May.

— With a report from CNN's Ashley Strickland.

This text was published and updated on March 14