Devil Comet Bigger Than Mount Everest Is Heading Toward Earth

By maks in Space On 13th January 2024
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Every time a comet gets close to Earth, it reignites our collective worry about a potential impact.

We know the odds are slim, but the possibility is still there, lurking in space. 

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However, with today's advanced technology and monitoring systems, scientists keep a close eye on these celestial travelers, ensuring that we stay informed and prepared for any potential threats.

The 'devil comet', known as 12P/Pons-Brooks, has been turning heads because of its unusual 'horns.' 

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Credit: Alarmy

This comet, which is even bigger than Mount Everest, got its spooky name from these 'horns' made of gas and dust. 

And yes, it's heading our way.

But don't let the scary name fool you. 

Recent reports from Live Science suggest it's not as menacing as it sounds. 

The comet, which is about 10.5 miles (17km) wide and has cryovolcanic activity (think cold volcanoes), recently had an eruption. 

After this, astronomers couldn't see the 'horns' anymore. 

Credit: Getty Images

Instead, they saw a perfectly round shape, a green tint, and a mysterious shadow.

It might be big, but 12P/Pons-Brooks is known as a short-period comet since it orbits the Sun every 71.2 years – a short time for comet orbits, which are usually under 200 years.

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Now, about the comet zooming towards Earth. 

It will be closest to us on June 2, and some hope it will be visible without a telescope. 

But don't worry, it's still going to be pretty far away – one-and-a-half times the distance from Earth to the Sun.

NASA isn't worried either. 

Credit: Getty Images

They said: "NASA knows of no asteroid or comet currently on a collision course with Earth, so the probability of a major collision is quite small."

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"In fact, as best as we can tell, no large object is likely to strike the Earth any time in the next several hundred years."
 
So, they don't expect any major collisions for hundreds of years.

So, even though the idea of a devil comet the size of a mountain sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, it's not really a danger to us. 

Without its horns, 12P/Pons-Brooks is just another comet passing through.