Astronomer Gianluca Masi recently captured incredible footage of a glowing meteor trail winding around Comet Lemmon. This spectacular event occurred on October 24 as the comet neared the constellation Serpens Caput. The comet, which has been dazzling stargazers since its discovery earlier this year, brightened significantly and is now estimated to have a brightness of about +4.2 on the magnitude scale. The lower the number, the brighter the object, making it possible to see it as a faint glow in dark skies.
During the event, a bright meteor streaked through the night sky just before Masi snapped a two-minute exposure using an astrographic camera from the Virtual Telescope Project in Italy. His image revealed the stream of ionized gas left by the meteor, creating a stunning wave effect that seemed to wrap around the comet’s tail.
Masi explained that the glowing trails produced involve the ionization of molecular oxygen in our atmosphere, which emits light as it recombines. Although the photo makes it appear as though the meteor’s afterglow is close to Comet Lemmon, it’s actually about 100 million kilometers away. This visual illusion highlights how perspective can create incredible celestial art.
In a fascinating twist, these kinds of glowing trails can sometimes appear to form spirals in the upper atmosphere. On social media, users expressed their awe, with hashtags like #MeteorMadness trending as people shared their own sightings of the event. Masi even posted a time-lapse that captures the meteor’s tail twisting around the comet, alongside satellites leaving streaks across the frame.
Comet Lemmon will continue its journey through the night sky, moving from Serpens Caput toward Ophiuchus, the serpent-bearer. This fascinating celestial body will get closest to the sun on November 8, and using binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the viewing experience. The combination of the comet’s brightness and the vibrant meteor trails creates a unique opportunity for skywatchers.
If you’re interested in observing this stunning comet, now is the perfect time. The Cosmic Journey awaits, and with the right tools, you can enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful displays!
