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The ‘Horned’ Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks: A Celestial Vagabond in the Night Sky
Skywatchers have been treated to a special visitor this month as the ‘horned’ comet 12P/Pons-Brooks streaks across the night sky. Currently, this celestial vagabond is visible to those with a pair of good binoculars or a telescope, but by the end of March, it may brighten to 5th magnitude, making it visible to the naked eye. 12P/Pons-Brooks may even appear during the total solar eclipse on April 8. It will then disappear into the sunset glow through April and will reach perihelion — the point at which it is closest to the sun — on April 21. After that, it will begin fade and become visible to those in the Southern Hemisphere.
Impressive Captures from Around the World
Here we take a look at some of the best photos of the ‘horned’ comet from around the world.
Josh Dury’s Stunning Capture
This beautiful image captured by landscape astrophotographer Josh Dury shows comet 12P/Pons-Brooks soaring above the Mendip Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), U.K., with the Andromeda galaxy shining brightly above. Dury faced the challenge of light pollution but was able to capture the comet with intricate detail, showcasing the nucleus and ion tail distorted by solar winds.
This isn’t Dury’s first time photographing comets, having previously captured Comet Neowise and Comet E3 (ZTF). Dury eagerly awaits the next clear sky opportunity to document the comet as it brightens over the coming weeks.
Image credit: Josh Dury
Osama Fathi’s Spectacular Shot
Astrophotographer Osama Fathi photographed comet 12P/Pons-Brooks streaking across the sky above the Black Desert, Egypt, with Andromeda sitting above. Fathi not only captured the ‘horned’ comet and Andromeda in the same image but also a meteor streaking across the star-studded sky.
Image credit: Osama Fathi
Kaitlin Moore’s Great Image
Kaitlin Moore captured a stunning image of comet 12P/Pons-Brooks above Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, U.S., using a 300mm zoom lens despite heavy light pollution. The detailed close-up provides a captivating view of the comet.
Image credit: Kaitlin Moore
Virtual Telescope Project’s Insight
The Virtual Telescope Project led by Gianluca Masi captured a series of exposures showing comet 12P/Pons-Brooks and the Andromeda galaxy. The combined image offers a unique perspective on the celestial event.
Image credit: Gianluca Masi/Virtual Telescope Project
Kevin O’Donnell’s Remarkable Capture
Amateur astrophotographer Kevin O’Donnell captured a beautiful close-up image of 12P/Pons-Brooks just outside Wickenburg, Arizona. Despite challenges with clouds, O’Donnell managed to photograph the comet, showcasing its gradual brightening over time.
For a video of O’Donnell’s process, visit his Instagram page theskydetective.
Image credit: Kevin O’Donnell
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