This weekend in Cyprus, you'll be able to observe the "Devil's Comet."
Residents of the island of Cyprus will have the opportunity to witness an unusual phenomenon in the sky this weekend. After almost 70 years, the Earth's orbit brings back the so-called "Devil's Comet." It will be visible to the naked eye for the residents of Cyprus.
According to local media reports, the astronomical event will occur on March 30th and 31st, 2024, when the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will be visible.
It is noted that on March 31st, 2024, 12P/Pons-Brooks will be only 0.5 degrees away from a bright star called Hamal.
The comet will reach its closest point to the Sun on April 21st, 2024, and then leave the Earth's orbit.
The uniqueness of Comet Pons-Brooks lies in the fact that it is a huge block of ice with a diameter of about 50 kilometers. Because of this, it has been dubbed the "Devil's Comet."
The "Devil's Comet" was first recorded in 1812 by the scientist Jean-Louis Pons, but the observations were not precise enough to predict when and where it would return until it was rediscovered in 1883 by William Brooks. As a result, it was named after both scientists.
The comet last approached Earth 71 years ago.
Author
Born in 1984 in Russia, in the city of Yekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk region). Since 2023, he has been living in Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (UrGU, now UrFU), Faculty of Journalism. Specialization – journalist (2007). Professional experience: From 2003 to 2023, he worked in…
