Comet and eclipse might coincide, but the former is already visible

Washington, Apr 3 (Prensa Latina) The comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, whose shape is reminiscent of the Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars saga, is passing close to Earth these days and will be visible in the night sky of the northern hemisphere on Wednesday, a NASA statement said.

April 3, 2024
13:22

The specialized news portal Space pointed out that this cryovolcanic comet, that is, an ice volcano flying through space, is likely to coincide with the solar eclipse on April 8, which could be seen from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Although this will not be the first time that a comet appears together with a total solar eclipse, it is relatively rare to see these phenomena coincide,” Space noted.

Davide Farnocchia, a specialist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, recommends that those who wish to enjoy 12P/Pons-Brooks should go to a place far from city lights and with a clear view of the “western horizon.”

He also advises to use binoculars, since without them it may be difficult to locate the comet, which will reach perihelion (its closest point to the Sun) on April 21, when it will shine at its brightest.

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