Bengaluru Witnesses Rare Comet Lemmon in Night Sky
In a celestial spectacle, Bengaluru residents spotted the rare Comet Lemmon (C/2023 H2 Lemmon) over clear weekend skies. The green-tinged comet, visible to the naked eye, sparked a flurry of stunning images and videos across social media as it made its closest approach to Earth.
Why Comet Lemmon is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Sighting
Discovered in April 2023 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona, Comet Lemmon originates from the distant Oort Cloud. Astrophysicist Dr. Priya Deshmukh (IIA, Bengaluru) explains:
“Its green glow comes from diatomic carbon reacting to sunlight. This could be its only pass near Earth, making sightings extraordinary.”
How Bengaluru’s Stargazers Captured the Comet
Despite light pollution, amateur astronomers and photographers ventured to Nandi Hills, Hessarghatta Lake, and Devanahalli for unobstructed views. Platforms like Instagram and X (Twitter) buzzed with long-exposure shots of the comet’s tail.
Enthusiast Rahul Menon shared:
“At 3 AM near Nandi Hills, the green tint was surreal through my telescope!”
Can You Still See Comet Lemmon? Expert Tips
Though past peak brightness, the comet may remain faintly visible. Tips for latecomers:
– When to look: 1 AM–5 AM (pre-dawn)
– Where: Dark, open areas
– Tools: Binoculars or apps like SkySafari
Scientific Importance of Comet Lemmon
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics studies its composition for clues about the early solar system. Dr. Deshmukh notes:
“Comets like Lemmon are cosmic time capsules.”
Social Media Buzz and Public Wonder
Hashtags like #CometLemmon and #BengaluruStargazers trended, with users comparing it to 2020’s Comet Neowise. The event reignited fascination with the night sky.
— Reported by [Your Name], NextMinuteNews
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