A remarkable celestial display unfolded over Hanle, Ladakh, as Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk captured stunning visuals of Comet Lemmon. The video highlights the comet’s vivid green tail as it traversed the night sky, a breathtaking spectacle in one of India’s most revered stargazing locations. Angchuk reflected on the comet’s presence, noting its appearance even in the ‘quiet skies’ of Hanle, a place known for its minimal light pollution.
Comet Lemmon, identified in early 2024, is making its way through our solar system and is expected to reach its perihelion around November 8, following a close pass by Earth on October 21. NASA indicates that the comet’s brightness is increasing, with potential for naked-eye visibility. Observers can look for it in the pre-dawn sky until mid-October, after which it will shift to the evening sky. A magnitude of approximately 4 is anticipated around the end of October, marking it as a significant astronomical event.
The viral video has resonated with viewers worldwide, prompting comments filled with admiration for the comet and the exceptional clarity of Ladakh’s skies. This capture by Angchuk not only showcases a fleeting cosmic visitor but also reinforces the allure of Hanle as an astronomical haven, reminding us of the universe’s constant, silent grandeur.