Comet Lemmon (C/2023 A3) dazzles in pristine Ladakh night skies

Comet Lemmon (C/2023 A3) Dazzles in Pristine Ladakh Night Skies (Image: Dorje Angchuk/Indian Astronomical Observatory)

Comet Lemmon (C/2023 A3) was observed streaking across the clear night skies of Hanle, Ladakh, by astrophotographers in India. The comet, with a faint green tail, is currently making its closest approach to Earth.

What Is So Special about Comet Lemmon?

Comet Lemmon is a rare visitor that travels far into the solar system and was discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona. According to astronomers, such comets contain pristine material, much of which has remained unchanged since the solar system formed billions of years ago.

Its greenish colour is caused by the presence of diatomic carbon and cyanogen gases, which are illuminated by sunlight.

Who Captured the Stunning Scenery?

The astonishing photographs were taken by Dorje Angchuk, scientist-in-charge at the Indian Astronomical Observatory. The high-resolution astrophotography he employed presented the comet against the backdrop of the Milky Way.

Why Is This Significant?

The sighting highlights Hanle’s status as a premier dark-sky destination. Light in the region is minimal, which provide some astronomical observations possible like never before. The increasing role of India in global space science is clearly evident through such detailed captures.

How Does This Help Science?

Employing the study of comets like Lemmon helps in the study of the oldest solar system by astronomers. The composition offers information on formation of planets, asteroids and other heavenly bodies. Orbital predictions and observations of possible comets of long period, which are predicted to reoccur after thousands of years, are also refined by observation.

When Will It Return?

A long period comet is Comet Lemmon which is estimated to take tens of thousands of years before it comes back close to Earth. This renders the present observation as a one-in-a-life experience to the scientists as well as the enthusiasts.

The Comet Lemmon that suddenly appears in Ladakh is not only a spectacular event but also provides scientific information. It highlights the relevance of dark-sky sites and India as one of the contributors to the study of astronomy.