Astrophysicist and comet-chaser Jose J. Sambo captured a stunning image of Comet 12P Ponce-Brooks, giving us a hint of what we can expect from icy sky watchers in the coming weeks.
Comet 12P Pons-Brooks is one of the brightest known periodic comets and is one of the brightest comets visible in 2024.
Many will remember the sensation it caused when Ponce-Brooks brightened in July 2023, forming a double horn, leading to what was dubbed the 'Devil Comet' online.
Throughout March and April 2024, the comet will travel from the constellation of Andromeda to Aries, where it will begin to approach Jupiter in the night sky.
But Jose J. Many astrophysicists, including Sambo, have already imaged the comet, and if you're a comet chaser, you'll be familiar with his work.
Read our guide on how to photograph a comet
This picture was taken on February 3, 2024 at 6:57 pm from Valles, Valencia, Spin.
He says: „Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks on February 3, 2024, brightens to magnitude +7.8, showing an angular 11' coma intense central condensation.
„Two tails are noticeable: the dust tail extends faintly to the upper right, and the ion tail passes to the upper left near the 5 star 72 Signi.
„The comet is still located above the Milky Way in the constellation Cygnus.”
See more of Jose's work via his Astrophin page
Acquisition Details:
- Photo Tool: Atik 383L+
- Telescope: TS-Photon 8″ N f/3.6
- Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro
- Occurs: 36 min (L=33×60 bin1 + RGB=1×60 bin2)
- Processing: PixInsight
Was it possible to capture an image of Comet Ponce-Brooks? Don't forget to send us your pictures. We love to see them!
„Oddany rozwiązywacz problemów. Przyjazny hipsterom praktykant bekonu. Miłośnik kawy. Nieuleczalny introwertyk. Student.