The 'Devil's Comet' is approaching Earth and you have once in a lifetime chance to see it

A comet like the one in the illustration but with much stranger characteristics is approaching planet Earth. It is called the 'Devil's Comet'. But why?

Its appearance, as explained on CNN, is unusual because it is a "horned comet" with two beams of light when observed that resemble the horns of a demon. But are we Earthlings in any danger when this spatial element approaches us?

Its real name is 12P/Pons-Brooks and it was discovered in 1812 by the French astronomers Jean-Louis Pons and Alexis Bouvard and by the Russian Vincent Wisniewsky. It visits us every 70 years and this image shows us what it looked like from Earth on one of those visits.

Photo: From Selenium2106 - Own work, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

The date noted by astronomers in their agenda is June 2: that is when the 'Devil's Comet' will begin to be really close to Earth and sightings can be attempted.

Image: Howen/Unsplash

But can this 'Devil's Comet' collide with Earth? Or could it endanger us in some way? Experts say no.

Image: Pixabay

The 'Devil's Comet' will pass close to the Earth but understand that it is closeness in astronomical terms. In reality, it will be located 224.4 million kilometers (139.4 million miles) away.

Image: Nima Sarram / Unsplash

According to NBC, from the New York area (and, in general, from the northern hemisphere) it is best to look for Jupiter as a reference on the horizon when night falls on June 2. Very close to Jupiter you will see the 'Devil's Comet'.

It involves looking at the horizon in a western direction and looking for the constellation of Taurus. The comet will appear there.

As reported by CNN, scientists following the comet's trajectory are intrigued because in recent months strong explosions due to the gases emitted have been detected in its path.

Image: Pixabay

The 'Devil's Comet' is estimated to measure between 10 and 20 kilometers or 6.21 and 12.4 miles in diameter.

Image. Tasos Mansour / Unsplash

In some observations, a characteristic green color can be distinguished in this 'Devil's Comet', which is due, as explained by CNN, to the fact that this type of comet "contains diatomic carbon molecules that absorb sunlight."

Yes, the devil himself in the form of a comet is coming towards Earth but no one should be scared. After this visit, we will not see it again until 2095.

Image: MB Louis / Unsplash

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