The total solar eclipse could allow some Canadians to see a once-in-a-lifetime comet

In one of the few provinces where you’ll be able to see the total solar eclipse? Consider yourself among the luckiest people in the country.

Not only will you get to watch as the Moon passes right between the Sun and Earth, but you might also be able to see the ‘Devil’s Comet’ as it soars over Canada and through our solar system.

What is the Devil’s Comet?

A celestial object with a unique appearance, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is extremely rare and will be visible until June, according to JJ Kavelaars, a principal research officer with the National Research Council of Canada.

“People call it the devil’s comet because it has two tails that kind of point away from each other,” he told Curiocity.

“The reason it has those two tails is not actually understood… It’s probably the comet’s undergoing outbursts from part of its surface, and that material is sputtering off the surface.”

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How can you see the Devil’s Comet?

First observed hundreds of years ago, this particular comet offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Unfortunately, for most Canadians, it may be difficult to catch.

“It comes around every 70 or so years, and it’s bright enough to be seen if it’s nighttime,” he explained.

“Right now, that comet is in the sky during the day,” but don’t fret!

On April 8th, 2024 – some cities will go dark during prime viewing hours, meaning that you too can catch a glimpse of the giant galactic ice ball.

“If you’re in a place where you’re going to be in the path of totality, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to see the comet high in the sky during the eclipse,” he shared.

“People who are in the path of totality will be able to see the sky darken, and Jupiter and Saturn will appear on either side of the sun.”

What if you’re not in the path of totality?

If of course, you’d like to try and catch it on another day, your chances are slim, however, Kavelaars said you might be able to see it JUST above the horizon, depending on when the sun sets in your area.

“As the sun’s setting, it just might be visible, but it’s really very, very difficult to pick out,” he said adding that this is due to the sun’s bright light.

“If you had a pair of binoculars, that’d probably be the best plan… It gets less and less doable as, you know, as we get closer and closer to June.”

Either way, this is a pretty exciting time, so keep your eyes open!

You might be among the fortunate few who get to see the Devil’s Comet over Canada.

Happy viewing and enjoy!