The pristine night skies of Hanle, Ladakh, recently hosted a spectacular visitor: Comet Lemmon. Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk expertly filmed the comet, showcasing its luminous green tail against the deep expanse of space. The video, shared widely, has enthralled astronomy enthusiasts who appreciate the chance to witness such a phenomenon from a world-class dark sky site.
Angchuk, an engineer at the Indian Astronomical Observatory, commented on the serene yet significant moment, observing Comet Lemmon’s journey across the serene Ladakhi heavens. This celestial traveler, discovered in January 2024, is currently heading towards the Sun and is predicted to make its closest approach to Earth in late October. While comet brightness is famously hard to predict, current estimates suggest Comet Lemmon could become visible without telescopes, particularly in the predawn hours until mid-October, before moving to evening viewing.
Astronomers predict the comet might reach a magnitude of 4 around Halloween, offering a rare and brilliant display. The shared video has sparked widespread appreciation, with social media users expressing their delight and awe. This capture serves as a poignant reminder of the vastness and beauty of the cosmos, beautifully framed by the exceptional celestial conditions of Hanle.