Horned ‘devil comet’ to make appearance on eclipse day

For the first time in nearly 71 years, the horned ‘devil comet’ will make an appearance in the eclipse-filled sky. In a once-in-a-lifetime experience, eclipse viewers will be able to view two celestial sights: the sun covered by the moon and a rare comet.

The comet was originally discovered by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in 1812. According to KFVS, the comet has outbursts of gas and rock that look like horns, which is where its nickname the ‘devil comet’ originated from.

As comets are typically viewed at night, this object will only be visible in the star filled sky until April 2, according to CNN. This however will prime the comet for daytime viewing, allowing individuals to have something else to search for in the sky alongside friends, family and the community.

LiveScience reports that the comet is a cold volcano, meaning it has an icy and rock-based shell. When the sun’s rays hit the comet, its surface erupts, providing horn-like trails of gas.

Astronomer Eliot Herman told Spaceweather.com that on Halloween of 2023, the comet erupted and was 100 times brighter than usual.

“On Halloween the devil burst forth again with a large outburst that continued into the next day,” Herman said.

Viewers interested in witnessing the devil comet should look towards the western horizon in the last days of March. CNN reports on eclipse day, viewers should redirect their attention 25 degrees away from the sun.