Comet 12P\/Pons-Brooks<\/a> has been attracting a lot of attention in March and April 2024, with the hope that it could reach naked-eye brightness.<\/p> As well as a potential ‘photobomb’ during the April 8 total solar eclipse<\/a>, Comet Pons-Brooks will also appear to approach then pass below Jupiter, currently one of the brightest planets in the sky.<\/p> On 1 April, the comet and gas giant are about 13\u02da apart, but by the time the sky has darkened they will be low down, meaning you’ll need a clear horizon.<\/p> Pons\u2013Brooks should brighten as it gets closer to Jupiter in the sky, and it’s a pity this close encounter isn’t happening at a higher position, under darker conditions.<\/p> But both comet and planet will still be worth looking out for. Look low in the northwest and make sure you have an open horizon.<\/p> Again, that brightening spring sky will make this tricky, but if Comet Pons-Brooks undergoes an outburst we could be in for a treat.<\/p> And if the comet has developed a tail by this point, that may be visible, poking up from behind the horizon.<\/p> On Monday, observers in North America watching the total solar eclipse<\/a> might be in for a very rare treat indeed.<\/p> As the Moon totally covers the Sun and day briefly becomes night, several planets will pop into view.<\/p> To the lower right of the eclipsed Sun, Venus will be a mag. \u20133.9 lantern, and to its lower right, closer to the southwest horizon, Saturn and Mars will both be first magnitude, shining close together like a bright double star.<\/p> Meanwhile, to the upper left, Jupiter will be shining at mag. \u20132, and close to the eclipse will be Comet Pons\u2013Brooks.\u00a0<\/p> If it has reached fifth magnitude by that day, the comet could be visible to the naked eye as a misty smudge to the upper left of the eclipsed Sun.<\/p> Observers on the line of totality will have almost 4.5 minutes to look for it before the Moon moves away and daylight floods the sky.<\/p> Remember, even if the comet and planets are naked-eye visible, a partially eclipsed Sun should not be observed with the naked eye, as doing so could damage your eyesight.<\/p> For more info, read our guide on how to safely observe a solar eclipse<\/a>. And if you want to know whether you will be on the path of totality, take a look at our April 8 eclipse path map<\/a>.<\/p>Pons-Brooks and Jupiter<\/strong><\/h2>
![\"Comet](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/03\/comet-pons-brooks-april-jupiter.jpg\")
Comet Pons-Brooks and the April 8 eclipse<\/strong><\/h2>
![\"Comet](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/03\/comet-pons-brooks-april-eclipse-credit.jpg\")
![\"During](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/03\/april-8-eclipse-path-totality-hero-1024x427.jpg?fit=800%2C334\")