The “Devil Comet” Can Be Seen From Illinois This Weekend

The experts on these types of things are saying that the flyby of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, or, the Devil Comet, is a "once-in-a-lifetime event," but that's not necessarily true.

If you eat right and take really, really good care of yourself, you could potentially be around for the the next visit from the Devil Comet...which will happen in just 71 short years.

Okay...yeah, I guess I see what the experts are saying here. You'll probably want to take a look in the skies over Illinois for the Devil Comet this weekend rather than trying to eat right and exercise for the next several decades so you can catch the next flyby.

The Sky-Watchers At NASA Say That The Devil Comet Is One Of The Brightest Periodic Comets (Comets With Orbital Periods Of Less Than 200 Years), And It Shouldn't Be Hard To Spot If The Weather Cooperates

Looking at the Northern Illinois weekend weather forecast, it looks like (right now, anyway) the skies will be clear and perfect for comet viewing, so conditions may end up being as perfect as they were for the solar eclipse that took place on Monday, April 8th.

Let's Get To The Important Stuff Like Why It's Called The Devil Comet, How Big It Is, And The Most Important Thing--When Is The Best Time To See It If You Don't Feel Like Waiting 71 Years For It To Come Back

Let's just be honest about the name. "Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks" just doesn't have much of a ring to it, unlike "Devil Comet," which is a name perfectly suited for publicity purposes.

So, how'd it get the name Devil Comet?

The comet, about the same size as Mount Everest, was observed last year as explosions of ice and gas across its surface gave it an asymmetrical look that resembled devil horns, and just like that, you've got yourself a devil comet.

The best time to get out and try to grab a look at the Devil Comet will be this Sunday, April 21st. That's when the comet will appear at its brightest in our skies, nearly 145 million miles from Earth.

With a forecast calling for clear skies, your best opportunity to see the comet will be shortly after sunset in the southwestern sky.

NASA and other space experts say the best view will be from binoculars or a small telescope, but with very clear skies you may actually be able to see the Devil Comet with the naked eye.