Comet 10P/Tempel 2 visible in Bengaluru sky ahead of August peak
Bengaluru: Skywatchers in Bengaluru have a rare chance to spot Comet 10P/Tempel 2, which has returned to the inner solar system and is now visible in the pre-dawn hours.
The comet, discovered in 1873, completes one orbit around the Sun every 5.5 years. It was last seen from Earth in 2021.
Astronomy enthusiasts have reported that the comet has been growing brighter through June and July. It will remain observable through late July and the first half of August, with peak visibility expected around August 2 and 3.
Images captured using smart telescopes, including a shot by Bengaluru enthusiast Deepak Choudhary with a Seestar S50, show the comet’s glowing coma against the early morning sky.
Experts suggest looking towards the eastern horizon in the wee hours before sunrise for the best view. No special equipment is needed to spot it, though binoculars or a small telescope will reveal more detail.
Comet 10P/Tempel 2 is a short-period comet and one of the more regularly returning visitors to our skies, making its current appearance a treat for both amateur astronomers and casual stargazers in the city.
