Monday, April 1, 2024

In this news story, Assistant Professor Keri Hoadley talks about 12P/Pons-Brooks or the "Devil Comet"  last seen in 1954. It will be visible in the daytime until April 2 on the western horizon. 

Hoadley discussed the comet's hornlike appearance caused by its coma, gases surrounding its nucleus. 12P/Pons-Brooks is very unique because it's a cryovolcanic comet. Solar radiation opens fissures in its surface and icy magma under its surface area, erupting out into space, making it a bigger and brighter coma, Hoadley explained.

The comet will have its closest approach to Earth on June 2, when it may also be visible.