Here are the most breathtaking photos of the Devil’s Comet


The brilliant Devil’s Comet is a delight for astronomers. The passage of 12P/Pons-Brooks in the spring sky is immortalized in sublime photographs.

Spring has arrived with a nice surprise: the devil’s comet is visible in the sky in France. Theoretically, its observation with the naked eye has been possible since March 22, 2024. However, conditions are not entirely optimal due to the very bright full Moon on March 25. The best time to admire this astonishing “horned” comet will therefore be a week later. This remains a challenge: move away from light pollution and avoid nearby obstacles to try to see the comet.

While waiting to see it with your own eyes, it is possible to admire the Devil’s Comet in superb photographs. Many astrophotographers have pointed their lens towards 12P/Pons-Brooks, its official name.

The Devil's Comet. // Source: Via X @AstroBin_com / Yaguang Wan
The Devil’s Comet and its impressive plume. // Source : Via X @AstroBin_com / Yaguang Wan

The Devil’s Comet crossed the Andromeda Galaxy

The position of the comet changes day by day in our sky. 12P/Pons-Brooks is located not far from a famous galaxy, Andromeda — it “crossed paths” with it on March 10.

The Andromeda comet and galaxy. // Source: Via X @NebulaPhotosThe Andromeda comet and galaxy. // Source: Via X @NebulaPhotos
The Devil’s Comet and the Andromeda Galaxy. // Source : Via X @NebulaPhotos

All this is of course just a matter of perspective. While the Devil’s Comet is moving closer to the Sun (it will be 119.7 million km from the star at the time of its perihelion on April 21), the Andromeda galaxy is located at about 2 million light years from Earth (20 billion billion km!). The Devil’s Comet is only 14 light minutes away.

The comet appears to be “fleeing” the Andromeda galaxy. // Source: Via X @parcastroprades / Lexuan ZhangThe comet appears to be “fleeing” the Andromeda galaxy. // Source: Via X @parcastroprades / Lexuan Zhang
The comet appears to be “fleeing” the Andromeda galaxy. // Source : Via X @parcastroprades / Lexuan Zhang

12P/Pons-Brooks dives towards Earth

Like any comet, 12P/Pons-Brooks gives the impression of “plunging” towards Earth. It’s logical: if we can see the comet, it’s because the Sun is lying below the earth’s horizon. However, the dust tail of a comet always heads in the opposite direction to that of the Sun. This also explains why the tail of a comet is not necessarily behind it.

The comet above Mount Baker (United States). // Source: Via X @StewarrMark (cropped photo)The comet above Mount Baker (United States). // Source: Via X @StewarrMark (cropped photo)
The comet above Mount Baker (United States). // Source : Via X @StewarrarMark (cropped photo)

This celestial body is a Halley-type comet, named after the most famous of all comets. This means that the Devil’s Comet takes between 20 and 200 years to orbit the Sun. For 12P/Pons-Brooks, the orbital period is more precisely 71 years. This is why seeing it is a rare event, which generally only happens once in a lifetime.

The comet, a greenish dot among the stars. // Source: Via X @burkley65 (cropped photo)The comet, a greenish dot among the stars. // Source: Via X @burkley65 (cropped photo)
The comet, a greenish dot among the stars. // Source : Via X @burkley65 (cropped photo)

In the coming days, we can expect to discover other striking photos of this beautiful comet. One meeting in particular is eagerly awaited. On April 8, comet 12P/Pons-Brooks risks stealing the show from a solar eclipse. This still promises splendid images.

Subscribe to Numerama on Google News so you don’t miss any news!





Source link -100