A 'devil comet' could coincide with the much-anticipated solar eclipse in the U.S. on Monday.
While many Americans are preparing to observe the solar eclipse over the country on April 8, sky-watchers should also be looking out for a comet that only comes around once every 71 years or so, and can be seen spewing out dust and gases in a celestial spectacle.
Officially known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, the 'devil comet' has earned its nickname on account of its horned shape. Known as a 'Halley-type' comet, it was discovered in 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons and William Robert Brooks. Its last historic appearance was recorded in 1954.
The comet has already been observed in recent months, and is getting brighter. Its latest outburst was recorded on April 3. NASA says the comet can be viewed now with binoculars in the early-evening sky towards the northwest, and is best watched away from city lights. It can also be spotted with the naked eye, albeit somewhat blurrier. On the day of the eclipse, it will be brightest when closest to Jupiter.
However, NASA highlights April 10 as the best night to get a chance at the 'devil comet', saying: "The comet will be just beneath the Moon, and just right of Jupiter, but you'll have to be quick, as it drops below 10 degrees elevation an hour after sunset and then sets an hour later. So you'll want a clear view toward the horizon, and be looking for it as twilight ends.
"If you want to catch this comet, do it soon, because it will be too close to the Sun in the sky to observable after mid-April, and later when it makes its closest approach to Earth, it will be on its way outward from the Sun and growing fainter," NASA added.
The approaching solar eclipse has captured the attention of many Americans. On Monday, April 8, the moon will block the entire disc of the sun in several states, plunging millions into darkness in the middle of the afternoon.
The path of totality will start in Mexico and extend across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before heading over the North Atlantic.
Across the affected states, many schools have been closed, warnings have been issued to drivers, and in some cases, the National Guard have been put on standby, as travelers are expected to move en masse to be within the path of the eclipse.
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