Have you seen comet 12P/Pons-Brooks? A new comet is in town that could brighten to become visible to the naked eye, but only those away from light pollution will get any chance to see it.
As luck would have it, many Americans will be under dark skies this month as they travel into rural parts of the path of totality in an effort to see April 8’s total solar eclipse.
How To See The ‘Devil Comet’
12P/Pons-Brooks is a good comet—but it’s not a “great comet.” For that, a comet needs to be visible to the naked eye easily. That’s not the case for 12P/Pons-Brooks, which is magnitude +4.7. That’s right on the cusp, meaning binoculars or a small telescope are going to be the far easiest ways of glimpsing it.
Where To See The ‘Devil Comet’
12P/Pons-Brooks is hanging out in the constellations of Pisces and Aries in late March and April. They’re visible in the western sky right after sunset. Unfortunately, that means they sink under the horizon within a few hours of sunset, meaning 12P/Pons-Brooks is a brief post-sunset sight.
However, these are some important dates coming up when 12P/Pons-Brooks will be at its brightest and best.
How To See The ‘Devil Comet’ Before The Total Solar Eclipse
Date: Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7
If you’re in a dark location—perhaps camping—for the total solar eclipse, have a look west immediately after dark and look for Jupiter low on the horizon. Then look low to Jupiter’s right, and you’ll see Hamal, a reasonably bright star in Aries. The comet is between the two, slightly closer to Jupiter.
How To See The ‘Devil Comet’ During The Total Solar Eclipse
Date: Monday, April 8
Will it get dark enough during the total solar eclipse for comet 12P/Pons-Brooks to be seen with the naked eye? Possibly—if you’re in the path of totality, that 115 miles wide track of the moon’s shadow—and the comet brightens or “outbursts.”
By the time totality darkens the sky, Venus will have been visible for perhaps 20 minutes, about 15 degrees west-southwest of the sun. As totality begins, Jupiter will become visible around 30 degrees northwest of the sun. Look about a third of the way along an imaginary line from Jupiter to the eclipsed sun—and slightly above—and you may see comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. It will be around 25 degrees from the sun, though it’s likely only binoculars, a telescope or a long exposure photograph will capture it. That is, unless it outbursts shortly before … which comets can do.
How To See The ‘Devil Comet’ Just After The Total Solar Eclipse
Date: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, April 9/10/11
If you’re hanging around for a few nights—perhaps camping or otherwise able to access dark skies—you may just catch comet 12P/Pons-Brooks in the post-sunset night sky.
- Monday, April 8: due west.
- Tuesday, April 9: due west with Jupiter, above a crescent moon.
- Wednesday, April 10: due west with Jupiter, below a crescent moon.
How To See The ‘Devil Comet’ Closest To Jupiter
Date: Friday, April 12
Although it’s been close to Jupiter for several nights, tonight is when it’s closest, so theoretically easiest to find.
How To See The ‘Devil Comet’ At Its Brightest
Date: Sunday, April 21
The comet will tonight be as close to the sun as it gets on its 71-year orbit, making it reflect the most light and, therefore, be theoretically easiest to see.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.