The 'Devil Comet' has arrived and is currently visible in the sky! Here is how you can watch
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
'Mother of Dragons' Comet Graces Northern Hemisphere Skies
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, nicknamed the 'Mother of Dragons,' is currently visible in the skies of the Northern Hemisphere, offering stargazers an opportunity to witness its celestial journey.
Halley-type Comet with a Unique Orbital Period
This comet, classified as a 'Halley-type' comet, completes its orbit roughly every 71 years, boasting a nucleus spanning approximately 30 kilometres in diameter.
Influence of Jupiter's Gravitational Pull
Being a Jupiter-family comet, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is subject to the gravitational forces of Jupiter, shaping its orbit and periodic appearances.
Origins of the Nickname
While also known as the devil comet, astronomers drew inspiration from the popular TV show "Game of Thrones," naming it the 'Mother of Dragons' due to its association with the "kappa-Draconids" meteor shower.
Composition and Phenomena
Composed of ice, dust, and rocky material, the comet's approach towards the Sun causes the ice to sublimate into gas, creating a luminous cloud and tail that trails behind it.
Variable Visibility and Optimal Viewing Period
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks exhibits fluctuating brightness, with peak visibility occurring during close approaches to Earth. The best viewing opportunities for observers in the Northern Hemisphere lie in late March and early April.
Enhanced Viewing Equipment
While the comet may be visible to the naked eye or with binoculars, a small telescope can enhance visibility, especially during periods of unpredictable brightness.
Insights into Solar System Dynamics
The periodic nature of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks allows astronomers to predict its appearances and study its behaviour, offering valuable insights into comet dynamics and the evolution of the solar system.