What to know about the 'devil comet' expected to pass by Earth in the summer
Here's what you need to know about the comet, known as 12P/Pons-Brooks. An enormous " devil comet " will be passing by Earth for the first time in more than seven decades, astronomers say. The comet, officially known as 12P/Pons-Brooks, got its nickname due to the formation of two "horns" made up of ice and gas. Experts tell ABC News the comet has been unusually bright compared to others. The general public will be able to see the comet pass through the sky with just binoculars or even the naked eye next year. MORE: Rare, green comet to pass by Earth Wednesday Why is it called a devil comet? Comets are made up of dust, frozen gases, ice and rocks bound together following the formation of the solar system. Traditionally, as they get closer to the sun, they get slowly warmer and brighter. The ice turns to gas and pulls the dust away, which forms the traditional tail associated with comet s. An image captured on July 25, 2023 shows the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks with i...