Mysterious celestial object takes over Bengaluru sky: Enchanted residents share pics of 'Mini Aurora Borealis’ like hues

In a pleasant surprise, residents of Bengaluru were recently blessed with a magical sky. On Monday , many found the sky transforming into an array of pink, green, and yellow hues, sparking widespread curiosity across the city. Those who managed to capture pictures and videos of the mysterious phenomenon took to social media to share photographs of the same.

Strange skylights in Bengaluru

Social media was abuzz with excitement after some thrilled Bengaluru residents shared pictures of a lit-up sky that took over the city yesterday. While many considered it a colourful optical phenomenon, it was later revealed to be a rare sighting of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS).

X user Vihar Vaghasiya shared a photograph of the mesmerising sky and wrote: “Bengaluru skies being just magical! What is this phenomenon even called?”

?Melissa Arulappan, another resident of the city, shared a series of pictures of the hypnotic sky, and wrote, "What did the #Bangalore skies just drop down on us!!! A magnificent painted sky that was so "aurora-ish". This a teaser to my December trip & if this blew me, how much more the real? #naturephoto #Bengaluru

?"Something’s up in the sky Bengaluru," a third X user tweeted, sharing more colourful images of the rare occurrence.

?X user Kunal Mishra wrote, "Captured this surreal moment in the sky. Nature’s brushstrokes never fail to amaze! #SkyGazing #NatureMagic #Bengaluru #Clouds"

"Mini aurora borealis kinda sky," wrote another internet user, sharing a clip of the sky.

?More about Comet C/2023 A3

Comet C/2023 A3, a non-periodic comet that recently moved closer to Earth, was discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China on January 9, 2023. A recent report published on Earth.com revealed that the comet has become visible from Earth from September 27 and will appear in the sky before sunrise on October 2. The comet became visible from Earth after it began orbiting around the sun after 80,000 years.

Similar sighting in Hyderabad

Sky-gazers in Hyderabad were also in for a treat when they spotted the rare celestial visitor in their city. The residents can catch a glimpse of this comet until October 2. Another viewing window will open from October 12 to October 26, when the comet will come closest to the Earth before moving higher up in the sky every night till it disappears again for the next 80,000 years.?