A Rare Comet Named “Mother of Dragons” to Grace the Skies Alongside Solar Eclipse
A comet with the fitting nickname “Mother of Dragons” is set to dazzle stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere over the next few weeks. Officially known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, this celestial wonder orbits the sun once every 71 years and is famous for its eruptions that resemble a cryovolcano.
Previously dubbed the “Devil Comet” due to horn-like structures formed by its gas cloud during eruptions, it has since been rebranded as “Mother of Dragons” in a nod to its awe-inspiring beauty. The comet will be at its closest point to the sun on April 21, giving observers the best chance to catch a glimpse of this rare phenomenon.
For optimal viewing, experts recommend finding a location away from city lights with a clear view of the western horizon an hour after sunset. On April 8, the comet will be visible alongside a solar eclipse, but astronomers advise focusing on the eclipse itself during those crucial 4 minutes.
While the comet will be closest to Earth in June, it will only be visible in the Southern Hemisphere at that time. So for those in the Northern Hemisphere, April will be the prime opportunity to witness this spectacle, with the comet being three times the size of Mount Everest.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the “Mother of Dragons” comet lighting up the night sky in the coming weeks. Get ready to marvel at this rare cosmic event and experience the magic of the universe in all its glory.