The photo highlighted today by NASA depicts 12P/Pons-Brooks, known as the Devil’s Comet. It appears next to the star Vega, the fifth brightest in the sky
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is in the photo highlighted by NASA this Friday (8) on the site Astronomical picture of the day. It was recorded next to the star Vega, the fifth brightest in the night sky.
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For some, the comet’s coma has this shape It reminds me of the Millennium Falcon spaceshipfrom franchising Star Wars. To others, her elongated sides look like horns, which has earned her the nickname Devil’s Comet.
Does it look more like horns or a ship? To decide, look at the comet in the photo below:
This comet visited the Solar system for the last time in 1954. It is currently heading towards the Sun and will reach its closest approach to our star in April next year.
Appears next to star Vega, the brightest in the constellation Lyra. It is about 25 light years from Earth and is considered one of the brightest in the Sun’s vicinity. This star is only 10% as old as our star, but because it is twice as massive, its lifetime should be short.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
The “Devil’s Comet”, as it was called, takes 71.2 years to orbit the Sun. It has been known since 1812, when it was observed by the French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons. At the time, observations were not precise enough to predict when the comet would return, and it was rediscovered in 1883 by English astronomer William Brooks.
Its core of rock and ice appears to measure 17 km in diameter: for comparison, consider that the Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, is 8.8 km high. Additionally, comet 12P has undergone a series of eruptions throughout the year, which made it brighter.
When it reaches perihelion and approaches the Sun, the comet will be about 119 million kilometers from the star. In June it will reach its closest point to Earth, remaining more than 200 million kilometers from our planet.
Source: APOD
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
