Comet bigger than Mount Everest with 'devil horns' hurtling towards Earth

09 November 2023 , 13:39

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The comet (Image: Getty Images)

A giant comet, three times the size of Mount Everest and with what looks like devil horns, is hurtling towards Earth.

Named 12P/Pons-Brooks, this cryovolcanic comet, or cold volcano comet, has exploded and is expected to reach its closest point to Earth in June 2024.

First spotted in 1812, this fiery beast has been monitored by experts for months. It's the second time in four months that Pons-Brooks has grown these horn-like features. When viewed through a telescope, it appears as if enormous horns are protruding from it.

Experts reckon the rock will be about the same size as Halley's comet, last seen with the naked eye nearly 80 years ago. Like Halley's comet, 12P/Pons-Brooks also orbits the sun every 71 years.

The comet will be visible to the naked eye around June 2, but you can also catch a glimpse anytime between May and the end of June next year. It's currently hanging out near the Hercules constellation in the East-North-East direction at an altitude of 36 degrees above the horizon.

'Weird' comet heading towards the sun could be from another solar system

As it gets closer to our planet, the comet is expected to keep exploding. But don't worry, the bits of the exploded comet will stay in outer space and won't return until 2095. Plus, it's not the most explosive comet in our solar system. When it swings by Earth, it'll be about 144 million miles away, so there's little chance it'll affect us.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Adam Cailler