Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is set to make an appearance in Earth’s skies on April 21st. This comet, known as the “devil comet,” will be at its closest point to the sun, also known as perihelion. At this time, it will be about 144 million miles away from the sun, making it significantly brighter and easier to see, especially in the western sky just after sunset. However, its magnitude of 5.9 may not make it visible to the naked eye, so a telescope, camera or stargazing binoculars are recommended for viewing.
Despite being closest to the sun on April 21st, the comet is still quite distant from Earth and can only be seen with the help of binoculars or a telescope. There is a possibility that the comet may have an outburst as it did in July 2023 when it grew horns and earned its nickname “devil comet.” Recent observations show that the comet no longer has these horns due to loss of ice in its core that made them possible.
The best time to see the comet at its brightest will be around April 21st and a few nights before and after. However, observers in northern latitudes may have difficulty spotting it due to its position in the glow of sunset. Comets are typically easiest to see when they are closest to Earth which will happen in June; however by then Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will only be visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
