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Devil’s Comet will be visible in Brazil on Sunday, 21
Astronomy lovers can celebrate, because this Sunday (21), it will be possible to see the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the Devil’s Comet, which will be visible in Brazil and the Southern Hemisphere. With an orbital period of 71.3 years, the comet will be at the closest point to the Sun, becoming more visible from from 5:40 p.m. Observers in the Northeast Region have been following its passage since April 7, with the northernmost states being the first to spot it. The best time for viewing will be between 5:40 pm and 6:30 pm, looking towards the western horizon towards sunset. Finding a location with a clear western horizon will be challenging, due to the comet’s low altitude in the sky, about 15 degrees.
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According to astronomer Filipe Monteiro, from the National Observatory, the intensity of the comet’s brightness makes it impossible to observe with the naked eye, making it necessary to use binoculars or telescopes. On June 2, the Devil’s Comet will be closer to Earth, but with limited visibility. Discovered in 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons and rediscovered in 1883 by William Robert Brooks, the comet is of the Halley type, lasting between 20 and 200 years. The name “Devil’s Comet” was given in 2023 after an explosion that increased its brightness and distorted its coma into the shape of horns.
The reason the comet has this name is because, compared to the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars, the comet intrigues astronomers due to the formation of the “horns”. Hypotheses suggest that uneven release of gas and dust or shadow effects may be responsible for the comet’s peculiar appearance. Composed of frozen gases, rock and dust, the comet becomes active as it approaches the Sun, forming a coma around it.
*Report produced with the help of AI
