This is the third time since this summer astronomersastronomers Report a sudden increase in GlowGlow Comet 12P/Ponce-Brookes, shining at magnitude 12 in the constellation Hercules last November 2. Signs of gas emissions caused by the Sun’s heating as it approaches.
Cryovolcanic eruptions that increase its brightness
First observed by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in 1812, then rediscovered by American astronomer William Robert Brooks in 1883, 12P/Pons–Brooks is a so-called periodic comet, meaning that it acts as a periodic comet. To revolve aroundTo revolve around Complete (or revolution) in relatively regular time intervals. Like every 71 years or so, it’s about to reach its closest point to the Sun, which makes it hotter as it gets closer to us. starstar,
As it warms, the comet’s icy core sublimates as it passes throughsolid statesolid state Butgaseous stategaseous state, Then we talk about cryovolcanic activity: gases make their way to the comet’s surface and escape into space, leaving behind a trail of gas and dust that suddenly increases its brightness. In the case of comet 12P/Ponce-Brookes, the brightness increased by almost 100 times in just a few days! Its horned monster appearance appears to be due to the irregular shape of its core.
Unexpected cryovolcanic activity
As it approaches its closest point to the Sun in its orbit – the perihelionperihelion, where it will reach in the spring of 2024 – we can expect cryovolcanic activity to resume. But its activity is difficult to predict, and amateur astronomers speculate that TelescopeTelescope Targeted at this visitor.
After reaching its perihelion, 12P/Pons–Brooks will once again return to the range. Solar systemSolar systemwith maximum distance from the Sun (or epheliepheli) of 33.8 astronomical unitsastronomical unitsor beyond the orbit of NeptuneNeptune, It will reach perihelion again in 2094. You can follow the comet’s evolution live, as well as its current position in our solar system, using The Sky Guide.
article from Nathalie MayerNathalie MayerPublished on 17 October 2023
Last July, comet P12/Ponce-Brookes caught the attention of astronomers by suddenly increasing in brightness. The result of an explosion, the researchers then explained. And now he has done it again. Once again, he has adorned himself with strange ice horns that make him look like the Millennium Falcon.
Comet P12/Ponce-Brookes had already made headlines this summer. As it continued quietly toward Earth – it should reach its closest point to the Sun in April 2024 – its brightness suddenly increased dramatically. The reason for this was an explosion that occurred on its surface.
Repeated eruptions on cryovolcanic comets
Or rather, we should talk about the explosion. Because comet P12/Pons-Brooks is called a cryovolcanic comet by astronomers. It may explode when the Sun heats its core. There ExpressionExpression then increases to a CloudCloud Ice is thrown into space through cracks crustcrust Of comet.
This is what happened to P12/Pons-Brooks last July. And once again on October 5, researchers announced British Astronomical Association, After another flare, astronomers noticed that the comet had become dozens of times brighter. In the days that followed, he found himself once again adorned with some form of horns.
Horns due to the comet’s irregular shape
Researchers believe that comet P12/Pons-Brooks takes on a special shape during these explosions – a shape essentially reminiscent of the Millennium Falcon. star wars – Due to irregularity in the shape of its nucleus. During the July eruption, its ComaComa Thus it expanded until it reached 7,000 times the size of the said nucleus. And, even though the numbers are not yet known, the explosion appears to be doubly intense.
Comet P12/Ponce-Brookes is expected to experience more such flares as it gets closer to our Sun.
A photo of the Millennium Falcon taken in space? No, a giant comet that exploded!
Article by Dorian Shapemeister on 30/07/2023
An unexpected phenomenon surprised astronomers Constellation du DragonConstellation du Dragon In the last few days. Comet P12/Pons-Brookes experiences a sudden increase in brightness, possibly caused by an explosion: the star’s halo is now adorned with a pair of bright “horns”.
A “horned comet”. This is the nickname given to comet 12P/Ponce–Brookes by the Anglo-Saxon media since July 19. That day, astronomers around the world witnessed an explosion on the surface of the celestial body, causing its brightness to increase greatly and suddenly. This event occurred at the cometary nucleus of 12P/Pons-Brookes, which has a diameter of 34 by 12 kilometers (that is, the dimensions are the same). Halley’s CometHalley’s Comet, Its brightness increased and it became five times its normal average. Internet user, thanks for the project virtual telescopeComet photographed: the latter now presents a uniqueness highlighthighlight The two points form asperities that resemble horns. Crossing the Solar System and currently located at 3.9 astronomical units (about 448 million kilometers), well ahead of Mars. in apparent quantityin apparent quantity During the eruption the 12P/Ponce–Brooks mass decreased from 16.6 to 11.6. While maintaining a magnitude of 11.6, the comet remains invisibleeyeeye Naked. Still it can be seen with an astronomical telescope or telescope.
imminent approach to the edge of the earth
Possibly seen in XIVI and 15I Centenary, P12/Pons–Brooks, was formally identified in 1812 by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons. along an elliptical trajectory, orbital periodorbital period The age of the comet is 71 years. In April 2024, it should reach perihelion, its closest point to the Sun. It will approach Earth after a few days: then it will potentially be visible in the sky noctonnoctonHypothetically reaching a magnitude of 4.5.
Information for astronomersNorthern hemisphereNorthern hemisphere, P12/Ponce–Brooks is currently located in the “head” of the Dragon constellation near the Little Dipper. Given its low magnitude, the comet is visible only with powerful telescopes. For the most patient, you will have to wait eleven months to admire the object that will illuminate the celestial vault for a few days, from April to June 2024.