Stargazers in India were recently treated to a rare celestial spectacle as a comet, last seen 80,000 years ago, illuminated the skies with vibrant hues of blue, pink, and yellow. The extraordinary sight was witnessed by residents of Bengaluru and other parts of the country, prompting a flurry of excitement and wonder across social media platforms.

Comet C/2023 A3 lights up Indian skies

The stunning display in the sky is courtesy of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), a non-periodic comet that has graced Earth’s view after millennia. Discovered in January 2023 by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, the comet reached its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) on September 28, 2024, making it visible to the naked eye.

Many residents of Bengaluru were surprised when they gazed up at the sky to find it painted in shades of pink, green, and yellow, reminiscent of a surreal, iridescent cloud. The colourful glow led to speculation about the phenomenon, with sky-watchers sharing stunning images online, fuelling discussions about the comet's striking presence.

Capturing the celestial show

Astrophotographers and amateur astronomers alike flocked to social media to share their pictures of the vibrant sky. One X user, Vihar Vaghasiya, posted a captivating image of the celestial event, wondering aloud, “Bengaluru skies being just magical! What is this phenomenon even called?”

According to experts, this rare display is the result of the comet’s passage through Earth’s view. While some captured the streaking comet in their photos, others were mesmerised by the glowing clouds it seemed to leave behind. Astrophysicists explained that Comet C/2023 A3 is an unpredictable, non-periodic comet, which means its return to the Solar System is not expected for another 80,000 years, making this sighting especially thrilling.

Where to spot the comet

Skywatchers across India, including residents of Hyderabad, still have a chance to view this rare comet until October 2, 2024. To catch a glimpse of Comet C/2023 A3, enthusiasts are advised to look towards the eastern horizon in the early morning hours, just before dawn, when the skies are still dark.

While the comet may be visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope can significantly enhance the viewing experience, allowing observers to spot the faint tail of the comet as it moves away from the Sun.

As the comet journeys further away from the Earth, it offers a fleeting yet awe-inspiring opportunity for stargazers, reminding us of the beauty and mystery of our universe.