Massive 'devil comet' to make first pass over earth in 70 years. Here's what to know
A massive comet with an ominous nickname is poised to make its first pass over Earth since 1954.
Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks is dubbed the "devil comet" because its dusty wake vaguely resembles horns, and experts say it could be visible with the naked eye in April 2024 and again in June.
The comet has been classified by NASA as a "Near Earth Asteroid" due to its orbit's proximity to Earth, but the comet is not considered potentially hazardous, according to the astrology site Spacereference.org.
See an interactive model of its orbit created by Space Reference.
Seeing the 'devil comet' in Indiana
The timing of the comet's near-earth approach could make for a unique experience in Indiana, as it coincides with a total solar eclipse that parts of the state will experience in April.
The comet is twice the size of Mount Everest, and orbits the sun every 71 years according to NASA. At its closest point, it will be about 144 million miles away from Earth with its peak brilliance predicted for June 2, 2024.
While it may be visible with the naked eye, it should be visible with binoculars or a small telescope as long as weather and atmospheric conditions cooperate.
If possible, it's always best to get away from city lights and somewhere with an unobstructed view of the sky for the best chance at sighting the comet.
More on the 'devil comet': 'Not to be missed': Comet may be visible to naked eye in April. Here's how to see it.
When is the total solar eclipse?
Monday, April 8, 2024, is when you can see the total solar eclipse, something that hasn't passed over Indianapolis in more than 800 years.
Don't forget to get your eclipse-viewing glasses ahead of time and never try to view it without the proper eye protection.
Indiana solar eclipse details: Hoosiers have less than 4 minutes to see this rare total solar eclipse in 2024
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Massive 'devil comet,' full solar eclipse to coincide in Indiana
