The Comet “12P/Pons-Brooks”, nicknamed the “devil comet,” is attracting astronomers with its dramatic changes. As it races towards Earth, the comet’s icy coma has taken on a surprising green color and lost its signature “devil horns.”
![comet](https://m31globalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/m9svXAAyuD2uJGE4W9eAij-1200-80-1.jpg)
Unlike any average space rock, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is a 10.5-mile-wide icy stone. When it nears the sun, the ice sublimates, releasing gas and forming a glowing coma. This “cryovolcanic comet” is known for spectacular eruptions, earning its devilish nickname.
The devil comet’s horns were caused by an uneven nucleus that channeled gas during eruptions. However, recent observations reveal a perfectly circular coma, suggesting the notch may have been damaged by the latest eruption, leaving astronomers with an unsolved cosmic mystery.
![In a surprising turn, the "devil comet," 12P/Pons-Brooks, emerged from its latest outburst hornless! Instead of its usual spikes, the comet's glowing atmosphere (coma) sported an unusual green hue and a mysterious dark streak.](https://m31globalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2024-05-23-110706.jpg)
Adding to the interest, amateur astronomer Eliot Herman captured a green glow in the coma. This colour is caused by dicarbon, a chemical that glow green under sunlight. Comets C/2022 E3 (ZTF) and Comet Nishimura displayed similar green glows earlier this year, highlighting the colorful diversity of these icy visitors.
– Affiliate product –
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xj6fwzMhL._SX679_.jpg)
Celestron Speciality Series Travel Scope 70 Telescope
Watch the Devil Comet and other celestial objects with this telescope and stay curious
Herman also spotted a dark patch within the coma. Unlike the previous horn-shaped darkness, experts believe this is a shadow cast by the outflowing cryomagma, further deepening the mystery of the comet’s transformation.
![Eliot Herman](https://m31globalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ogLvDDrhkJRiBgfQbuZMLN-1.jpg)
As Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks speeds towards the sun at 40,000 mph, scientists are racing to understand its unexpected changes. These revelations challenge our understanding of cometary activity and highlight their dynamic nature.
With its closest approach to Earth on June 2nd, 2024, the “devil comet” promises a spectacular show. Will the horns return, or is this a new chapter in its cosmic story? Stay tuned as we follow this celestial traveler and discuss its secrets!
The Team, M31Global News