Astrophysicist Dr. Paul Strøm, Assistant Professor, University of Warwick, said: “Comets are small icy bodies which as they approach to the Sun leaving behind a tail of dust and gas. Together with asteroids they are regarded as the unused building blocks of the solar system, providing astronomers with pristine samples of the formation conditions of the early solar system. Much is to be gained by studying their composition as they provide important clues to the formation of life on Earth through the delivery of complex organic molecules and large quantities of water which may have laid the seeds of early organic chemistry on Earth.

“Right now, one of the brightest known periodic comets is on its way in towards the sun. It is a big comet too with a size comparable to that of Mount Everest. The comet is expected to reach a magnitude of 4.5 which means it ought to be visible form a dark location in the UK. This is not the first time the comet has visited our solar system given its period of 71 years. Although it was first discovered in 1812 it may have been recorded as early as 1385! The next visit will not be until 2095, so now is a good time to try and see it!

“The comet moves from the constellation of Andromeda to Pisces. As it does so it passes by bright stars which will make it easier to spot on certain dates. In particular, on the 31 March 12P/Pons–Brooks will be only 0.5 a degree from the bright star called Hamal (equivalent to a full moon diameter away).”