Rare ‘horned comet’ to be seen from Bangladesh

A rare ‘horned comet’ will be seen from Bangladesh on Sunday (April 21). On this occasion, Rajshahi Astronomy Center and Bangladesh Astronomical Association have organized a comet observation camp at T-dam in Padmapar, Rajshahi.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is about to make its closest approach to the Sun in about 71 years. It is also known as ‘Devil Comet’ or ‘Mother of Dragon Comet’. However, many astronomers have named the comet the ‘horned comet’. So named because it forms a hot tail as it approaches the Sun, giving the comet a somewhat horn-like appearance.

According to Bangladesh Astronomical Association, the comet will remain in the sky for one hour from sunset on April 21. A comet observation camp has been organized at T-Band, Padmapar, Rajshahi from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Comet observation camp will be open for all interested.

The agency also said that the observation camp will be conducted subject to cloud-free skies. Along with comet observation, there will also be Jupiter and Moon sightings.