Scientists Look For Answers As Comet Which Explodes Every 15 Days Stops Erupting

The universe harbours several mysteries which numerous astronomers and scientists are still investigating. They closely watch the behaviour of planets and the comets present outside the Earth’s atmosphere. A comet named 12P/Pons-Brook has been attracting the attention of scientists for a long time due to its eruptions. The comet was observed undergoing multiple eruptions in space. The scientists were trying to discover the reason behind this before they were puzzled by the sudden closure of its regular outbursts. As per the scientists, the comet 12P/Pons-Brook was supposed to undergo an eruption on December 29, 2023, but it failed to occur. This has shocked the scientists and has now posed another query regarding its unexpected behaviour before them.

Astronomers have been keeping an eye on this comet since July last year. Recently scientists noticed that the eruption that occurs every 15 days has stopped. It was supposed to take place on December 29. Now scientists are waiting for January 15 for its next predictable eruption. The comet eruptions of 12P/Pons-Brook come under the category of cryovolcanic activity. It is a type of volcanic eruption in space. Under this eruption, instead of lava, ice spreads in space. Due to it, this comet has earned the nickname Old Faithful among the astronomical community. Astronomers were constantly keeping an eye on 12P/Pons Brook, like other wonders of space. The eruptions took place on November 14, December 1, December 14 and 20. The centre of this comet is 34 kilometres wide. In July it was at a distance of 3.9 times the Sun-Earth distance.

Nick James of the British Astronomical Association said that now 30 days are going to be completed since its last explosion. The scientists are keeping a close eye on this comet. He also urged all amateur and professional astronomers to keep an eye on the comet. As per his deduction, this comet is likely to pass from the Sun in April next year and at that time it will also be the brightest. Now, astronomers are keenly waiting for the next eruption and the effect of the passing of this comet from the sun.