Only every 71 years: a huge comet that can be seen with the naked eye – World

12P/Pons-Brooks visits Earth once every 71 years. Space.com reported that it could reach magnitude 5 brightness when it arrives, making it visible to the naked eye.

Those who live in the Northern Hemisphere should plan a trip to see the eclipse before April 21, when it is closest to the sun. From then until the end of the year, Starwalk says it will also be visible to people in the Southern Hemisphere.

12P/Pons-Brooks made headlines when it became 100x brighter in a rare flare that turned the comet's gas cloud into a horseshoe shape. Astronomers believe that the glow is due to volcanic activity on the comet's surface.

Experts advise those who want to look at the comet to bring binoculars and head to the countryside, away from city lights. Other factors to take into consideration include the weather forecast, as an overcast night can ruin stargazing, and choosing a date closer to the new moon. The moon can outshine other objects in the sky.