A massive “horned” comet, three times the size of Mount Everest, is en route to Earth after it exploded, according to scientists. The comet, named 12P/Pons-Brooks, was first discovered by Jean-Louis Pons in 1812 and is recognized for its rare cold volcanic activity.
With a diameter spanning 18.6 miles, the comet is as large as a small city. In comparison, Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, is roughly 5.5 miles high. The explosion of the comet, attributed to solar radiation, resulted in its distinctive horn-like shape. This eruption caused the icy material inside to expel through its outer layer.
Richard Miles of the British Astronomical Association (BAA) postulated, “The two ‘horns’ could be a result of an unusually-shaped cryovolcanic vent which may have blockage, leading to an abnormal expulsion pattern.” Some have even likened the comet’s appearance to the Millennium Falcon, a famous spacecraft from the Star Wars saga.
The BAA, which has been tracking this celestial body closely, recorded a second explosion on October 5, which caused the comet to shine more brightly due to additional light reflecting off its enlarged coma.
This extraordinary event was documented by Jose Manuel Perez Redondo utilizing the 2.0-m Faulkes Telescope North in Hawaii. As of now, the comet is advancing towards Earth but will only approach closely on April 21, 2024. After this, it will venture back into the solar system, making its next appearance in the year 2095.