Scientists have reported that a massive "horned" comet, three times the size of Mount Everest, has exploded and is now heading towards Earth. This comet, known as "12P/Pons-Brooks," is recognized for its cold volcanic activity, according to a report published in "Live Science." The comet 12P was originally observed by Jean-Louis Pons in 1812 and is said to be one of 20 comets known for having active icy volcanoes. It has a diameter of 18.6 miles, comparable to the size of a small city. For context, the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, stands at 29,029 feet, or about 5.5 miles.
The comet exploded due to solar radiation beneath its surface, which led to increased pressure. This, in turn, forced its icy material to escape through openings in its crust, resulting in the distinctive horn-like shape. According to the New York Post, Richard Miles, a member of the British Astronomical Association (BAA), suggested that "the horns could be produced by an oddly shaped icy volcanic vent with some kind of blockage that causes material to be expelled in an unusual flow pattern." Some experts noted that the irregular shape of the comet gives it the appearance of a science fiction spacecraft, resembling the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.
The BAA has been closely monitoring the comet, and scientists noted the second explosion on October 5. They observed that comet 12P has become brighter than usual due to additional light reflected from its expanded coma. Images of the explosion were captured by José Manuel Pérez Redondo using a 2.0-meter Volks North telescope located on Maui, Hawaii. While the comet is currently on its path toward Earth, it will take some time before it approaches our planet. According to LiveScience, the comet is expected to reach its closest point to Earth on April 21, 2024. After that, it will return to the solar system and not return until 2095.
