‘Larger than Everest’ comet could become visible to naked eye this month

Halley-type comet that orbits once every 71.3 years will be easier to spot as it passes by bright stars, say astronomers

A comet that is larger than Mount Everest could become visible to the naked eye in the coming weeks as it continues its first visit to the inner solar system in more than 70 years, say astronomers.

The icy body is a Halley-type comet - meaning it will turn up once, or possibly twice, in a lifetime. Indeed 12P/Pons-Brooks, as it is known, completes its orbit once every 71.3 years, and is due to make its closest approach to the sun on 21 April.