Explosive “Devil Comet” Could Photobomb the Solar Eclipse—How to See It
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Next month, tens of millions of people across North America will be treated to an extraordinary sight when a total solar eclipse becomes visible for much of the continent. Many are making it a point to get someplace where they can get a good view—especially as it’s the last time one will be visible in the U.S. until 2044 . But even though it’s undoubtedly a special occasion itself, the moon passing in front of the sun won’t be the only reason to look up on April 8. Read on for more about the explosive “devil comet” that could photobomb the solar eclipse and how you can be sure to see it.
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Whether you’re a casual astronomer or not, you’re certainly familiar with comets. The celestial objects are typically made of rock and ice left over from the solar system’s formation, per NASA. When they begin to warm up as they approach the sun, the comets sprout a glowing head and long streaming tails—which can put on a dazzling display for us here on Earth.
But while comets vary in color, size, and brightness, one passing visitor in particular has been grabbing headlines recently. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks has earned the nickname “devil comet” due to developing what look like horns on its coma—or bright head—on its approach to the sun last year, Live Science reports.
In this case, the spooky appearance is because 12P is an ice volcano comet, spewing forth an eruption of gas and ice crystals as the sun’s radiation makes its nucleus crack. The 10.5-mile-wide object circles the sun once every 71 years, and it showcased its first eruption in nearly seven decades last summer, per Live Science.
The object’s nickname may not stick around much longer, though, as its “horns” haven’t appeared in any subsequent eruptions. But the comet might still be quite the spectacle for other reasons.
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While the total solar eclipse might be more than enough of a spectacle for most viewers, there might be an unexpected bonus during the event. That’s because Comet 12P is still making its way towards the center of the solar system and is expected to reach its closest point to the sun on April 21, per Live Science.
This means the comet will appear much brighter on April 8, when the eclipse occurs. It will also be within 25 degrees of the sun , which is about the width of two and a half clenched fists held up to the sky, according to Scientific American .
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The close proximity during the eclipse has some photographers anticipating that they’ll be able to grab a once-in-a-lifetime photo. However, some experts believe the show-stealing comet could appear visible to the naked eye during the big event.
“This is one of the brightest comets in history,” Rosita Kokotanekova , a planetary scientist at the Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, told Scientific American .
Based on current estimates, the comet’s normal appearance could be just barely bright enough to catch on its own or easily spotted with a pair of binoculars. But things could change if another eruption takes place in the run-up to April 8.
“It has had some spectacular outbursts,” says Kokotanekova. “It’s a very unknown territory. That’s why we’re interested in every comet that does this.”
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While the possibility of a two-for-one experience is enticing, experts are still cautioning that it’s far from certain that it will be as easy to catch sight of both on the big day.
“I don’t want people to get disappointed if they don’t see the comet,” Kokotanekova told Scientific American . “If people expect to see something extremely bright on a fully dark sky, I think that unless we’re very lucky with an outburst, it will be more challenging than that.”
However, there are still a few things to keep in mind if a last-minute eruption makes Comet 12P more visible. As with any eclipse viewing, it’s essential to have certified solar glasses to protect your eyes during the experience, as regular sunglasses won’t suffice, per Live Science. Those using binoculars or a telescope to enhance their view should also make sure they’re using the appropriate filters or purchase a pair made for solar viewing.
But even if the comet isn’t as bright as hoped, there’s still a potential upside. That’s because the eclipse is taking place during a solar maximum, meaning wisps of the sun’s atmosphere could be especially visible during totality, according to Live Science.
- Source: NASA: Comets
8 Best Destinations for the Next (and Rare) Total Solar Eclipse
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The chance to witness a total solar eclipse is rare enough that it remains a bucket list item for many people. After all, these events require a combination of being in the right place at the right time and having the correct conditions to actually see them. Since the next eclipse will be the last visible from North America until 2044 , many are making plans well ahead of the event on Apr. 8, 2024, to secure front-row seats.
The hype has created a mad dash for accommodations in locations along the path of totality , which will start in Texas and run across 13 states through Maine, according to NASA. In some places, basic hotel rooms are going for five to seven times their typical rates—including some listed well above $1,000 for a night, The New York Times reports.
The pinch is even being felt in the short-term home rental market, with some avid eclipse chasers saying supply has been dwindling even months in advance. Others reported finding decent rates, only to have hosts cancel their reservations and demand a higher price point for the occasion, The Times reports.
Some experts have recommended finding lodging within an hour’s drive of the path of totality to avoid a price crunch. But others still warn that the expected crowds will likely bring traffic jams along with them on the big day.
“It’s a little bit like going to a big sporting event where people take their time getting in but everybody wants to leave at the same time,” Scott Katsinas , a travel adviser at Katsinas Travel Consultants in Arizona, told The Times .
But even as accommodations run thin in some places, there’s still hope for those who want to experience the event for themselves. Local tourism boards have collected resources for eclipse chasers with options along the path of totality for the big day. Read on for the best destinations for watching the next total solar eclipse in 2024.
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If you’re looking to get a head start on eclipse viewing, Dallas is likely your best bet. The Texas metropolis is not only the largest city in the path of totality but also the first major U.S. destination to experience the event as partial coverage begins at 12:23 p.m. CDT, according to the Perot Museum.
Besides the city’s ample hotel rooms, there are other perks to picking the Lone Star State for catching the eclipse: Experts point out that it’s the place that’s statistically most likely to have clear weather in April when the event occurs, according to travel news outlet The Points Guy.
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If you want to get the most out of your eclipse experience, Indianapolis may be one of your better options. The Indiana capital is near the center of the path of totality, creating a full coverage time of three minutes and 46 seconds, according to the local tourism board. The city will also host NASA at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, providing experts to answer questions and host a live broadcast of the event.
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Lake Placid may have the rare distinction of having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, but 2024 will mark the first time in recorded history the Adirondack locale will experience a total eclipse. The town is planning to welcome visitors with activities and events throughout the Olympic Legacy Sites, providing the opportunity to take in the rare event while surrounded by the region’s famous natural beauty.
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Those still searching for a spot to catch the eclipse might want to consider Cleveland . The Ohio city is near the center of the path of totality and will experience full coverage for nearly four minutes on Apr. 8, according to the city’s tourism board. Visitors can also look forward to locally hosted events and festivities marking the occasion.
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Arkansas provides another chance to combine natural beauty with the total solar eclipse. Little Rock is just one of the cities in the state with hotel rooms and accommodations to handle the crowds, with the partial eclipse beginning on the earlier side for the U.S. at 12:33 p.m. CDT and finishing at 3:11 p.m., according to NASA.
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The U.S. isn’t the only country that will be able to glimpse the eclipse next April: Mexico and Canada will also be on the path of totality. Montreal stands out among these international options for its easy access by flights, ample number of hotel rooms and lodging options, and plenty to see and experience outside of the eclipse itself.
According to the Canadian Space Agency, visitors in the Quebec locale can expect to see full coverage for one minute and 28 seconds, which marks the last time the province will see one until 2106.
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The Green Mountain state provides plenty of reasons to visit year-round, but the 2024 eclipse is a compelling addition to the list. The event marks the first time Vermont has experienced totality since 1932 , according to the state’s tourism board. Those staying in Burlington can expect full sun coverage for about three minutes and will have access to hotels and other lodging in the area.
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If you’re looking to be among the last in the U.S. to catch sight of the last eclipse until 2044, picking Maine as your viewing locale is the only option. The path of totality crosses the northern half of the state, with full coverage beginning in the small town of Caribou at 3:32 p.m. EDT, according to NASA. After that, the eclipse will pass through the Canadian maritime provinces before ending its traverse of North America and finishing over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Source: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/
- Source: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/total-solar-eclipse.asp
The Next Total Solar Eclipse Will Be the Last Until 2044, NASA Says
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Whether you’re a casual stargazer or a devoted amateur astronomer, there’s no denying that there’s something special about witnessing a rare celestial event like a solar eclipse. Besides the fact that they only occur a few times each decade, getting a good view can come down to where you live having the right weather conditions. If you’d love to witness a solar eclipse anytime soon, you may want to mark off your calendars. NASA says the next one will be the last you can see from the U.S. until 2044. Read on for more info on how to catch this unique event.
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If catching a major cosmic event has been an item on your bucket list, you might want to grab your calendar . On Apr. 8, 2024, North America will have front-row seats to a total solar eclipse for the first time since 2017. But besides being a relatively rare event in and of itself, this will also be the last opportunity to view a full eclipse from within the contiguous United States until Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.
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Even though many areas across the U.S. will be treated to at least a partial eclipse, only places that are in the total eclipse’s direct path will get to experience the moon entirely blocking out the sun . The first sight of totality on the continent will start on Mexico’s Pacific Coast before it becomes visible stateside around noon in Texas, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue north through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine before leaving the U.S. in the late afternoon.
Viewers in Canada will be able to experience the eclipse as it begins its path through Southern Ontario and eventually makes its way through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse will disappear from North America as it passes off the East Coast of Canada in the early evening.
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So long as weather conditions remain favorable, part of what makes the experience of a total solar eclipse so special is the truly unique conditions it can create for those in its path. During the initial partial eclipse phase—or for those watching in areas outside of the total eclipse’s path—viewers will first notice a crescent blocking out part of the sun as the moon slightly covers the star while wearing the appropriate safety glasses, according to NASA.
For a few fleeting moments before the sun is covered, spectators might also be able to catch sight of Baily’s Beads, which are glimmers of light that form bright spots as sunlight passes through crags, craters, and valleys on the moon. A sharp, bright spot on the edge of the moon’s shadow known as the “diamond ring” will then appear, named for its resemblance to a sparkling piece of jewelry.
The moment the sun is completely blocked out is known as “totality,” marking the only point of the experience you can watch directly without protective glasses. Spectators might be able to make out different parts of the sun’s atmosphere, including a pink ring created by the star’s chromosphere or rays of white light from the corona. But while the view above is spectacular, sights on the ground can be just as surreal as conditions can create “a 360-degree sunset,” planets and bright stars can become briefly visible, the air temperature can drop, and “often an eerie silence will settle around you,” NASA describes.
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If you’re already excited to catch a glimpse of the rare celestial event for the last time until 2044, it might not be a bad idea to start preparing for the experience. Arguably most importantly, NASA warns you’ll need the correct specially designed safe solar viewing glasses or handheld viewer to actually be able to see it . Otherwise, you’ll need to use an indirect viewing technique, such as a pinhole projector.
“Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing,” the space agency warns, clarifying that normal sunglasses won’t offer sufficient protection. “Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.”
And besides ensuring you have the proper equipment, you might also want to consider arranging a place to stay if you have to travel to witness the event. Cities along the path of totality will likely see a large influx of tourists scooping up available lodging, with Ross saying organizers expect anywhere between 375,000 to 500,000 people to descend upon Rochester alone.
“We’ve been starting to spread the word really since 2019 by meeting and also kind of designating everyone as an eclipse ambassador, so everyone watching right now, get ready because all of your out-of-town relatives are coming here [and] they’re gonna want to stay in your house,” Ross told WROC.
