Stargazers are buzzing with excitement as Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk shared a stunning video of Comet Lemmon illuminating the dark skies of Hanle, Ladakh. The footage captures the comet’s vibrant green tail streaking across the cosmos, a truly mesmerizing sight against the backdrop of Ladakh’s renowned tranquility. Angchuk, an engineer at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, noted the juxtaposition of this celestial visitor with subtle signs of human activity, even in such a remote location.
Comet Lemmon, first identified on January 3, 2024, by the Mount Lemmon Survey, is currently on an inbound trajectory towards the inner Solar System. It is anticipated to make its closest pass by the Sun on November 8, following its closest approach to Earth on October 21. While cometary brightness can be unpredictable, there’s optimism that Comet Lemmon might become visible to the naked eye. It’s expected to be most prominent in the predawn hours until mid-October, transitioning to the evening sky later in the month. By late October, astronomers estimate a magnitude of around 4, promising a spectacular skywatching event.
The remarkable video has ignited a flurry of appreciation online, with social media users expressing awe at the comet’s ethereal beauty against Ladakh’s pristine environment. The footage serves as a powerful reminder of the universe’s enduring wonder, beautifully captured through Angchuk’s keen eye in one of India’s premier dark sky locations.