We don't get the chance to see many celestial sights Down Under, so when there's an astronomical event taking place in Melbourne's skies, we get pretty excited. If rare space events also pique your curiosity, this is one you definitely won’t want to miss. On Monday, April 22, a super rare celestial event will grace Melbourne's skies. At triple the size of Mount Everest, the Devil’s Comet (officially known as C12/P Pons-Brooks) will be visible to the human eye for the first time in more than seven decades – and it won’t be soaring past the sun again until 2095.
Here's everything you need to know about the Devil’s Comet; like what it is, when it's happening and how to see it in Melbourne, so you can make the most of this special celestial experience.
When will the Devil’s Comet be visible in Melbourne?
The Devil’s Comet will be visible in Melbourne for a brief time after sunset of Monday, April 22. The celestial body is actually named C12P/Pons-Brooks, but is more commonly referred to as Devil Comet due to its resemblance to a horned tail. You should be able to see the comet without equipment, however, a pair of binoculars or a telescope is recommended for the best viewing experience. Experienced stargazers will be able to observe the comet over the following weeks using advanced telescopes, as the comet approaches the sun before moving back into the distant parts of the solar system.
Where can I see the 2024 Devil’s Comet in Melbourne?
The Devil’s Comet should be visible in Melbourne's skies, particularly in areas with limited light pollution. If you need ideas for stargazing spots, check out this list.
When is the next Devil’s Comet visible in Melbourne?
The next time a Devil’s Comet will grace the skies over Melbourne is 2095 – that’s 71 years away, to be precise. So this event is pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
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