A rare “once-in-a-lifetime” comet can now be seen in the night sky in the UK.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks – which has been nicknamed the “Mother of Dragons” comet – only passes by the Earth every 71 years. The huge comet is bigger than Mount Everest and is made of dust and ice, which means it leaves a bright green tail behind it as it is heated by the Sun.
The comet will be visible in clear, dark skies above the western horizon during the hours after dusk.
It may be possible to spot it without using binoculars, however you will have a better chance if you use them or a small telescope – as the comet’s brightness can be unpredictable.
The comet is expected to be at its brightest tonight, on Sunday 21st April. After that date, it will become less visible in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere as the days get longer.
But be warned – if you miss the comet this time, you’ll have to wait until summer 2095 to catch it again. (No sure we’ll still be online then!)
