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Return of the Devil's Comet: A once-in-a-lifetime sighting for Australians

The Devil's Comet returns to Australia

What is the Devil's Comet?

Comet C/2023 E3 (Tusi), also known as the Devil's Comet, is approaching Earth and will be best visible in Australia during July and August 2024. This is a rare opportunity to see a comet that has not appeared for 68 years.

Comet Devil, officially known as Comet 12P/Ponce-Brooks, is a short-period comet that orbits the Sun every 71.2 years. It got its nickname because of its characteristic bifurcated tail, which can appear red or green depending on the composition of the comet's gases.

Comet Devil was first discovered in 1812 by the French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons. Since then, it has been seen from Earth only a few times, and the last time it appeared was in 1953. This makes the upcoming visit of the Devil's Comet a very special event indeed.

When and where can you see the Devil's Comet?

The Devil's Comet will be visible in the Australian sky from late April to early June 2024. It will be at its brightest in early May, but it will still be visible through binoculars or a telescope throughout your visit.

The Devil's Comet is best seen in a dark sky, away from light pollution. Some of the best viewing spots in Australia include:

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory

Warrumbungle National Park in New South Wales

Simpson Desert in South Australia

How can I photograph the Devil's Comet?

If you are going to photograph the Devil's Comet, you will need a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with a tripod and a telephoto lens. You'll also need to put your camera in manual mode and adjust your exposure settings to capture the faint light of the comet.

Here are some tips for photographing the Devil's Comet:

Use a tripod to hold the camera steady.

Use a telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 200mm.

Put the camera in manual mode and adjust the exposure settings to capture the faint light of the comet.

Experiment with different shutter speeds and ISO settings to get the best results.

Use a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake.

What else can I learn about the Devil's Comet?

The Devil's Comet is a rare and magnificent sight that will only be seen in 71 years. So if you happen to be in Australia in late April or early June, make sure you take the time to look up at the sky and enjoy this incredible celestial event.

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