The skies above Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, were recently painted with a breathtaking spectacle of pink, green, and yellow hues, leaving residents in awe. This unexpected celestial display sparked a flurry of online discussions, with many wondering about the cause of this captivating phenomenon.
While some attributed the beauty to a mere natural occurrence, astrophotographers revealed the true source of the vibrant colors: Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). This celestial visitor, making its first appearance after a staggering 80,000-year hiatus, captivated the city with its ethereal glow.
The comet, discovered in January 2023 by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, was independently observed a month later by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in South Africa, hence its unique name.
Social media buzzed with excitement as people shared images of the illuminated skies, comparing the spectacle to the Northern Lights, known as the ‘aurora borealis’. One X user, sharing an image of the vibrant sky, aptly captured the sentiment, exclaiming, “Bengaluru skies being just magical! What is this phenomenon even called?”
The Tsuchinshan–ATLAS, unlike more familiar comets such as Halley’s Comet, is a non-periodic comet, making its appearance unpredictable. This sighting above Bengaluru provided a rare and exhilarating opportunity for sky-gazers, offering a glimpse of a celestial visitor from a bygone era.
According to reports, residents of Hyderabad were also able to witness this celestial wonder until October 2nd. The comet, currently located in the Sextans constellation, is estimated to be approximately 129.6 million kilometers away from Earth.
Astrophotographer Upendra Pinnelli, quoted in the Deccan Chronicle, aptly summed up the significance of the event, stating, “The comet is visiting the Solar System after more than 80,000 years.” This makes the recent sighting a remarkable and unforgettable event, reminding us of the wonders that lie beyond our planet and the constant dance of celestial bodies across the vastness of space.
