It’s been years since experts have predicted the end of the world, and many events, such as the 2012 doomsday, have become falsified rumors as they simply didn’t happen.
Nonetheless, scientists have found yet another apocalyptic situation related to the Devil Comet that is likely to happen on Earth. So, does this Devil Comet hit Earth?
A gigantic comet, triple the size of Mount Everest, known as “12P/Pons-Brooks,” is on its way toward the Earth due to a cryovolcanic explosion but will only get close to Earth in April 2024. Following that, inhabitants of Earth would be able to see it without a telescope, and it will return to the solar system and won’t appear until 2095. So, no, the Devil comet will not hit planet Earth.
What Is the Devil Comet?
Recently, scientists have found that a comet is hurtling towards our planet after exploding due to a cryovolcanic reaction, and it is estimated to be three times bigger than Mount Everest.
Mount Everest is roughly about 5.5 miles, but this comet, named “12P/Pons-Brooks,” measures about 18.6 miles in diameter.
Following the eruptions of the comet on October 5 and October 7, astronomers found two horns-like structures outlining its shaping, thus giving it the nickname of the Devil Comet.
Richard Miles, an expert from the British Astronomical Association, explained why the two horns appeared on the comet’s surface. In his words,
“The two ‘horns’ may be caused by a peculiarly-shaped cryovolcanic vent with some sort of blockage causing material to be expelled with a weird flow pattern.”
The 12P comet also previously exploded on July 20, slightly altering its trajectory, but our astronomers were able to catch a glimpse thanks to its expanding bright coma (the nebulous envelope around the comet’s nucleus).
Will the Devil Comet Hit Earth? Should We Be Concerned?
Despite 12P heading towards the direction of our planet, there is no need to fret over the apocalypse just yet because this hailstone orbits the sun every 71 years and won’t be coming near until 2024.
However, scientists believe the comet will be catapulted back into the solar system due to its second revolution. It won’t be back on the premises of Earth until 2095.
Although the initial eruption of this comet resulted in emissions that were thousands of times wider than itself, it eventually shrank back to its original size, meaning the emissions wouldn’t be able to reach our planet along with the comet.
So, you need not be concerned about the Devil comet hitting the Earth just yet, not at least until 2095, during the second orbit that pulls it towards the Earth, unless other eruptions occur.
Will the Devil Comet Be Visible to Naked Eye From Earth?
Apparently, comet 12P is among one of the largest comets the Earth has ever seen in its vicinity, so during its arrival in 2024, people from Earth will be able to watch it without a telescope.
As per the reports shared by news outlets, the scientists estimate this comet to reach a visible range within the vicinity of Earth by April 21, 2024, before reappearing sometime in 2095.
So, will you watch this comet when it comes closer to Earth? What do you think will happen if it gets closer to our planet?
Source: New York Post
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