Astronomers have spotted a "once-in-a-lifetime" comet shaped like the Millennium Falcon. The comet will make its closest approach to the sun next year, just weeks after a solar eclipse. The comet, known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, abruptly brightened 100-fold on July 20 as plumes of debris and ice were blasted off it into space. While it may be possible to see the comet with the naked eye, Miles advised using binoculars. A decades-old mysteryAstronomers aren't sure exactly why Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, which orbits the sun every 71 years, has brightened so drastically in recent weeks.

---

Persons: Pons, Brooks, It's, Richard Miles, Miles, Dr Edward Gomez, Elek Tamás, Helen Usher of Cardiff, Carrie Holt, Gomez Organizations: Service, British Astronomical Association, Wales, Harsona, Comet, Open University, University of Maryland Locations: Wall, Silicon, Cardiff, Nyiregyhaza, Hungary