COMET OUTBURST CONFIRMED: Multiple astronomers are now confirming that Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks underwent a 1.1 magnitude outburst on April 2-3. Probably an ice geyser erupted on the comet's surface, spewing a mix of reflective gas and dust into space. The timing is perfect for observers who want to try to photograph the comet during the dark minutes of Monday's total solar eclipse. [sky map]
THE 'DEVIL COMET' IS NOW A NAKED-EYE OBJECT: Suddenly, amateur astronomers are seeing a naked-eye comet in the evening sky. It's Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the 'devil comet'. Waiting for next Monday's solar eclipse in Mexico, Petr Horálek photographed the comet last night and found it much brighter than the last time he saw it:
"I assume an outburst is in progress," says Horálek. "My estimate of the comet's magnitude is +3.5. Definitely worth taking a look in the next hours and days."
Indeed, now is a good time to look. After sunset, the comet emerges in the western sky not far from the planet Jupiter. Naked-eye observers will see a dim fuzzball. Cameras and small telescopes reveal the comet's magnificent tail.
MaryBeth Kiczenski sends this composite photo of Comet 12P above the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in Michigan:
"I could see it naked eye once my eyes adjusted--but barely!" she says. "My camera had no trouble, though. This is a stack of 20 images, 30-seconds each."
Comet 12P is approaching the sun for a close encounter later this month. Its increasing brightness and proximity to the sun means it might be visible from the path of totality during the April 8th solar eclipse. Photos of a comet inside the Moon's shadow are very rare! A tip for eclipse photographers: Take two cameras--one for the sun, and another for Comet 12P. You might be glad you did. [sky map]
more images: from Chris Schur of Payson, Arizona; from Michael Jaeger of Martinsberg Austria; from Toni Scarmato of San Costantino di Briatico, Calabria, Italy
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18K GOLD "LOVE YOU TO THE MOON" LOCKET: This is a very special locket. It's heart-shaped, plated with 18K gold, and we will fly it again during this year's total eclipse of the sun. Keep reading...
On Jan. 26, 2024, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched this locket to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon. At the apex of the flight, it floated 111,535 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California:
Buy it now for $149.95, and we'll fly it again--FOR FREE--during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The students will be launching multiple balloons from the path of totality in Texas. Your pendant will go along for the ride, touching the shadow of the Moon at the edge of space. (Simply type "FLY IT AGAIN" in the comments box at checkout.)
The locket, which opens to hold a personal photo or other small item, comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
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