Skywatchers around the world have been treated to a special celestial event this month as the ‘horned’ comet 12P/Pons-Brooks streaks across the night sky. Currently visible with binoculars or a telescope, the comet is expected to brighten enough to be visible to the naked eye by the end of March. It may even be visible during the total solar eclipse on April 8.
Landscape astrophotographer Josh Dury recently captured a stunning image of the comet soaring above the Mendip Hills AONB in the UK, with the Andromeda galaxy shining brightly in the background. Despite the challenges of light pollution, Dury was able to capture details of the comet’s nucleus and ion tail distorted by solar winds.
Photographers from around the world, including Osama Fathi in Egypt, Kaitlin Moore in Wisconsin, and Kevin O’Donnell in Arizona, have also captured breathtaking images of the comet. The Rome-based Virtual Telescope Project led by Gianluca Masi even captured a series of exposures showing the comet alongside the Andromeda galaxy.
Amateur astrophotographer Kevin O’Donnell produced a video detailing his experience capturing the comet image despite tricky clouds. The comet will reach its closest point to the sun on April 21 before beginning to fade and becoming visible to those in the Southern Hemisphere.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the ‘horned’ comet 12P/Pons-Brooks lighting up the night sky, as it is set to be a sight to remember for skywatchers across the globe. Stay tuned for more updates and images of this spectacular celestial event.
