How Devil’s Comet Got Its Name and When You Can See It

There is something hellish in the sky that you can witness in March if you dare.

What the Hell is the Devil's Comet?

I live in an area with no major or minor city nearby, which helps me get a great look at the stars, planets, and the occasional comet. One comet I have never heard of is the Devil's Comet.

Good news Ottawa County, Michigan, Satan is not sending a possessed comet across the sky. This particular comet is named Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks but was named the "Devil's Comet" because the dust and gas that comes from the comet as it passes by is horned-shaped and almost looks like white flames are behind it.

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The history behind the Devil's Comet goes back to 1385 when early astronomers may have been the first to record seeing it. The official recording of the comet was by Jean-Louis Pons in 1812. The comet was seen just over 71 years later and was rediscovered by William Brooks hence the name Pons-Brooks.

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When Can You See the Devil's Comet?

Skywatchers are pumped to witness the Devil's Comet because typically, a human can only see it once in their lifetime. If you want to see this bad boy of evil in the sky you will need a telescope or binoculars and a clear night away from any major city. Look for the comet to move from the constellation Andromeda through the constellation Pisces. You will have until the end of the month to catch it before it moves to the constellation Aries.

If you don't own a telescope or binoculars, you will have to wait until the fall to get a look at the Devil's Comet with your naked eye.