Volcanic ‘devil comet’ racing toward Earth resprouts its horns after erupting again

Volcanic ‘devil comet’ racing toward Earth resprouts its horns after erupting again


The “devil” comet’s distinctive horns were first spotted after a major eruption on July 20. (Image credit: Comet Chasers/Richard Miles)

A volcanic “devil comet” that is racing toward Earth erupted again on Halloween, causing it to regrow its distinctive “horns.” The latest outburst, which was the second within a month and the third since July, is a reminder that the comet is becoming more volcanically active as it continues its journey toward the heart of the solar system.  

The comet, named 12P/Pons-Brooks (12P), is a cryovolcanic, or cold volcano, comet. Like other comets, 12P has a solid nucleus — a hard, icy shell filled with ice, gas and dust — that is surrounded by a fuzzy cloud, or coma made of materials that leak out of the comet’s insides.