Comet Pons-Brooks has recently undergone an outburst, causing it to rapidly brighten and take on a unique shape. The comet, which is a periodic comet with a known orbit, is set to make its next pass near the sun in April 2024. However, it has already begun to put on a show for astronomers.
On July 20, 2023, the comet experienced a sudden brightening of about 6 magnitudes, making it much more visible through large telescopes. Despite the outburst, the comet is still not bright enough to be seen with the naked eye or binoculars. It is currently only within the range of large telescopes.
The outburst has given the comet a distinct “horned” appearance, resembling the Millennium Falcon spaceship from Star Wars. Images captured by EarthSky community photographers show the comet’s distinct C or hooked shape.
Comet Pons-Brooks has been observed in the past, with sightings dating back to the 1800s. It is named after two sky observers, Jean-Louis Pons and William Robert Brooks, who first spotted it. Chinese astronomers even observed the comet in the 1300s.
The comet’s upcoming pass near the sun coincides with a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This means that the comet and the darkened sun will share the sky, providing a unique opportunity for observation. However, looking at the sun, even during an eclipse, can be dangerous and should be left to experienced observers.
Currently, Comet Pons-Brooks is located just under four astronomical units (AU) from the sun. Its closest point to the sun will be approximately 0.7 AU on April 21, 2024, and it will swing closest to Earth on June 2, 2024, when it will be 1.5 AU away from us.
Observers with large telescopes can attempt to spot the comet now from the Northern Hemisphere. However, for most people, it will be best to wait for the comet to get closer and brighter. In August 2023, the comet will be visible in the head of the Dragon constellation, near the star Rastaban. It will then pass through various constellations, including Hercules, Vega in Lyra, Cygnus the Swan, Lacerta, Andromeda, Pisces, and Aries, leading up to the April 2024 eclipse.
On April 12-14, the comet will be in the vicinity of Jupiter, and its closest approach to the sun will occur on April 21 in the constellation Taurus. After this, the comet will become less visible from the Northern Hemisphere but will be visible in the Southern Hemisphere as it heads towards Orion.
Overall, Comet Pons-Brooks is putting on a spectacular show for astronomers and sky observers. With its recent outburst and upcoming events, including the total solar eclipse, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of this fascinating celestial object.