The horned comet changes shape overnight

On November 14, the renowned "horned comet" (12P) appeared like a perfect round ball. However, the very next day, observers could barely recognize it. Its shape seemed to be slashed by a dark wedge, as though it had split.

Comet 12P was first discovered in 1812. It visits the Solar System every 71 years and is known for its penchant to explode. This year, however, it is outdoing itself, exploding every few weeks, which results in its characteristic "horns".

Such explosions have already occurred in July and October, and now, we might get to witness a repeat.

"On Friday night, I observed 12P. What a surprise... I saw a very distinct dark streak in the sphere surrounding the comet." - Lars Zielke, a Spanish comet observer.

While these events make the comet appear brighter to Earth's observers, there's concern about its state. It appears to be disintegrating — indeed it is, but this is merely a stage in its transformation.

Post the explosion, its remnants don't disperse into space; instead, they hover around the comet's core. Consequently, for a while, its shape may either resemble a Star Wars spaceship or a ball with horns.

The exact reasons for comet 12P's explosions remain unconfirmed. However, a prevailing hypothesis suggests that it is packed with active ice volcanoes. The comet's surface conceals a sort of icy magma, a blend of liquid hydrocarbons and gases. If solar rays incise a crack in it, it results in an explosion.

Using this theory, astronomers also explicate the proclivity of comet 12P to develop "horns." According to Richard Miles from the British Astronomical Association, the horns are formed by cryovolcanic material discharged through a large but irregular aperture.