Flaring 'Devil Comet' to be visible with naked eye as it passes Earth in 2024

The comet will be returning to our skies in March, according to scientists

A huge comet, known for its bright 'flaring' episodes, could be visible with the naked eye as it passes close to Earth this year.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, discovered in 1812, is understood to be around 30km in diameter and it takes 70 years to complete its orbit around the sun. The last time the comet passed close to Earth was in 1954 - and the next time will be this spring, according to scientists.

The large comet is known for its 'flaring' episodes which see it become brighter in the sky. The sudden brightness has also led to it being dubbed the 'Devil Comet' as it has appeared to take the shape of devil horns when it flares.

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Scientists have already seen an increase in the comet's brightness as it heads towards Earth and it is hoped that the comet will be visible with the naked eye as it gets closer to us.

In a recent blog post, the UK Space Agency explained that the "fascinating comet" would be returning to our skies in March.

The post reads: "Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks has an intriguing history of flaring suddenly in brightness as it approaches the inner Solar System on its 70-year orbit of the Sun. Currently only visible with the aid of a telescope, this comet already appears to be up to its old tricks, significantly flaring several times over the last few months, making astronomers hopeful it will become visible to the naked eye as it moves closer to the Sun in the coming weeks."

Its closest approach to Earth is likely to be around June 2.

There are several other exciting events in space this year to keep an eye out for too, the UK Space Agency said.

The Moon will be passing our planet at a close range on a number of occasions, but in summer it will completely occult the planet Saturn. Using a small telescope you should be able to see Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, disappear behind our own.

The Moon will also be partially eclipsed itself by Earth twice this year. A brief penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible in March, while a more prominent partial lunar eclipse is set to happen in September.

Meanwhile, the peak of the summer’s prolific Perseid meteor shower this year falls on relatively moon-free nights, enabling stargazers to see many more meteors. The summer will also see Mars and Jupiter appear to almost touch in our skies as they pass through the constellation of Taurus, the UK Space Agency said.