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Astronomy

Hazy Green Comet Visible in Bengaluru Skies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the western horizon of Bengaluru took on a breathtaking show on Saturday evening, many residents of the city were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the hazy green comet, C/2025 A6 (Lemon). With many sharing photos of the celestial phenomenon on social media, the excitement was palpable. The comet, first identified in January 2025 by astronomers at the Mount Lemon Observatory in Arizona, USA, slowly began to brighten as it approached the Sun, but its brightness fluctuated due to solar heat-induced outgassing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The comet C/2025 A6 (Lemon) was visible in the western horizon of Bengaluru on Saturday evening, with many residents sharing photos on social media.
  • The comet's green glow is due to the fluorescence of diatomic carbon (C2) when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight, not reflection.
  • Astrophotographer Deepak Choudhary took pictures of the comet using the William Optics Zenithstar 61 Refractor Telescope, showcasing a green coma and a small, hazy dust tail.
  • The comet's tail breaks down quickly, leaving it almost colorless, and its brightness fluctuates due to solar heat-induced outgassing.
  • Choudhary noted that photographing the comet from a city with heavy light pollution was challenging, requiring more precision than location.
  • The comet was first identified by astronomers at the Mount Lemon Observatory in Arizona, USA in January 2025.

Statistics:

  • The comet's green glow is due to the fluorescence of diatomic carbon (C2).
  • The comet's brightness fluctuates due to solar heat-induced outgassing.
  • The comet was visible in the western horizon of Bengaluru on Saturday evening, with many residents capturing photos.
  • The time it took to take pictures of the comet was only a few minutes before it plunged below the horizon.

Sources:

  • "tweet by a user on social media"
  • "tweet by another user on social media"
  • Choudhary, Deepak. "comet pictures taken by Deepak Choudhary on social media"
  • "Expert comments to The Hindu by unnamed experts"
  • "Interview with Deepak Choudhary by The Hindu"
  • Contify.com. "Copyright 2010 Diligent Media Corporation Ltd., DNA (Daily News & Analysis) All Rights Reserved."

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