In Pictures: Illuminated Bengaluru skies

Bengaluru recently witnessed a mesmerizing celestial event as Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) made its close approach to Earth. The skies over the city were illuminated with vibrant shades of pink, green, and yellow, captivating residents and transforming the usual urban landscape into a surreal spectacle. Photo credit: @meltwith/X

Initially, many believed they were witnessing a rare natural phenomenon. However, experts explained the light display was caused by the comet's interaction with Earth's atmosphere. This event quickly became a social media sensation, with residents sharing images of the painted sky. Photo credit: @meltwith/X

The comet, discovered earlier this year, has been closely observed by astronomers. Bengaluru residents were among the first to witness its brilliance, with social media buzzing with awe-inspiring photographs and comments. The event left an indelible mark on the city's sky gazers and enthusiasts. Photo credit: @Ankur Saxena/X

One user excitedly shared photos of the sky, comparing the hues to the Northern Lights. Another remarked that they had captured "sky lights" in Bengaluru's Marathahalli area, drawing parallels to auroras typically seen in polar regions. The cosmic event created a sense of wonder among residents. Photo credit: @Ankur Saxena/X

Deepak Choudhary, an astronomy enthusiast, was among the first to capture detailed images of the comet in Bengaluru. He described the early morning skies on September 28th as the perfect condition for stargazing, allowing him to document this rare event from the city's vantage point. Photo credit: @onlykunalmishra/X

Astrophysicist RC Kapoor explained that this comet is an interstellar visitor from beyond our solar system. Its closest approach to the Sun occurred on September 27th and 28th. He further added that the comet would remain visible in the early morning sky for the next few days. Photo credit: @onlykunalmishra/X

Beginning October 12th, the comet will be visible in the western sky after sunset. This period will mark the comet's closest approach to Earth, and it should be bright enough for observers to spot it with the naked eye, providing another chance to witness this rare visitor. Photo credit: @onlykunalmishra/X

Discovered by China's Purple Mountain Observatory in January 2023, Comet C/2023 A3 will continue to amaze viewers throughout early October. Unlike Halley's Comet, this comet is unpredictable, offering a unique and fleeting opportunity for sky watchers across the world. Photo credit: @meltwith/X