Roger
on March 30, 2024
13 views
///@the_secrets_of_the_universe: Heads up, stargazers! You won't want to miss this ☄️ 👇🏻
On March 31st and April 1st, 2024, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will be making a close approach to Hamal, the brightest star in Aries. It will be about half a degree away from the star.
This is a great opportunity to see the comet, as it might be visible to the naked eye under dark skies. Look west about an hour after sunset. Comet Pons-Brooks is predicted to be around magnitude 4.5, which is borderline naked-eye visibility. Binoculars will definitely help you get a better view.
Comet Pons-Brooks will likely appear fuzzy and may have a faint greenish tail. Find a location with dark skies away from light pollution with a clear view of the western horizon. You may use the Stellarium app to locate the comet quickly according to your place.
The comet may also pop into view during the April 8 total solar eclipse. Observers in the path of totality have a unique chance to see the comet when the Moon completely covers the Sun. It will lie between the Sun and Jupiter but closer to the latter.
Happy skygazing! ✨
Dimension: 936 x 1023
File Size: 72.9 Kb
Be the first person to like this.