Bengaluru residents experienced a rare celestial event on Saturday evening as Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) graced the skies above the city’s western horizon. Skywatchers eagerly captured the fleeting moments of this faint green comet, sharing their awe and excitement online. One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed their joy, stating, “I’m so glad that I witnessed Comet today in the sky @ #Bengaluru,” while another chimed in, “Noticed something in the sky today morning. #Bengaluru #NammaBengaluru.”
This sighting offered a unique opportunity to glimpse an icy wanderer from the distant reaches of our Solar System. The comet’s notable green hue is a result of fluourescence from diatomic carbon (C₂) when it is exposed to ultraviolet sunlight, rather than mere reflection of light. This gas, present only in the comet’s coma-the luminous cloud surrounding its nucleus-quickly disintegrates, rendering the comet’s tail almost colorless.
Discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey on January 3, 2025, Comet Lemmon is on a trajectory that brings it closer to the inner Solar System. According to NASA, the comet will make its closest approach to the Sun on November 8, following its near pass of Earth on October 21. While predicting comet brightness is notoriously difficult, NASA remains optimistic that Comet Lemmon could become visible to the naked eye during this period. The agency notes that the comet is ideally viewed in the predawn sky until mid-October, after which it will also be observable in the evenings.
The celestial display has drawn attention from astronomers and enthusiasts alike. Recently, Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk captured a stunning image of Comet Lemmon illuminating the night sky over Hanle, a small village in Ladakh’s Leh district, showcasing the comet’s beauty and the excitement it has generated among stargazers.
Such events provide a perfect reminder of the wonders of our universe, encouraging people to look up and engage with the cosmos. As more sightings are anticipated in the coming weeks, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to witness this icy visitor from beyond our planet.
As the celestial journey continues, residents of Bengaluru and beyond remain captivated by the beauty and mystery of Comet Lemmon, making this a memorable moment in the realm of astronomy.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/bangalore-residents-spot-rare-comet-lemmon-share-breathtaking-images-online-11762148177773.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-03 12:01:00
