Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Mother of Dragons comet,” is set to make its closest approach to the sun on April 21. The comet, which measures 10.5 miles wide, will be about 144 million miles from the sun during this perihelion. At this point, it should be significantly brighter and more visible in the western sky just after sunset. However, with a magnitude of about 5.9, it may not be visible to the naked eye and will require a telescope, camera or binoculars for optimal viewing.
The best time to see Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks at its brightest will be on April 21 and a few nights before and after. Observers in northern latitudes may face challenges due to the comet being positioned in the glow of sunset.
Although Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is expected to reach its peak brightness in June, it will only be visible from the Southern Hemisphere at that time. Dark skies are hard to come by in the Northern Hemisphere by early June, so observing it then would not yield optimal results.
According to Frank Maloney, an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Villanova University, while Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks should be brightest when closest to the sun, its distance from Earth means that it may only be visible through binoculars or a telescope. There is also a possibility that Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks could experience an outburst like it did in July 2023 when it displayed demonic horns leading to its nickname as ‘devil comet’. Recent observations suggest that these horns have disappeared likely due to changes in ice structure within its core.
Overall, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks’ closest approach to the sun presents an opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts around the world to witness one of nature’s most beautiful celestial events with proper equipment.