Tasmanians have a rare opportunity this week to witness Comet 12/P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the Devil Comet, illuminating the night sky.
Last seen in 1986, this comet graces our view only once every 70 years, making it an almost once-in-a-lifetime event.
According to NASA, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks stands as one of the brightest known periodic comets.
“It earned the nickname of “devil comet” in 2023 when an outburst caused the comet to have an asymmetrical appearance, like having horns,” NASA says.
“It comes around every 71 years and is currently getting brighter as it flies toward the Sun.”
Experts advise using binoculars to spot the comet low in the north-west in the constellation of Taurus around 6:30pm from mid-April through to mid-June.
The comet’s appearances are unpredictable and while it is visible with the naked eye, astronomers say people really ‘need to know where to look’ to catch a glimpse.
