Astrophotographers managed to record a surprising sight: a greenish-colored comet crossing the Namibian firmament. The spectacular image, which shows the phenomenon captured on August 8, 2026, was released on August 12, 2026.
What is known about the green comet 220P/McNaught
The unprecedented image reveals comet 220P/McNaught. This celestial body was found by Australian astronomer Robert H. McNaught and completes one revolution around the Sun every 5.5 years. In June, the comet reached its perihelion, the closest point to our star, experiencing a considerable explosion that multiplied its brightness by approximately 8,000 times.
During August, the comet’s brightness intensified again, reaching about 600 times its usual luminosity. It was during this interval that astrophotographers Gerald Rhemann and Michael Jäger managed to immortalize the moment in which he crossed the night over Namibia.
The capture was carried out using a 12-inch astrographic telescope, equipped with a ZWO ASI 6200 MM Pro camera, ensuring the sharpness and detail of the image.
Why the visibility of this comet is considered exceptional
Observing a comet in the night sky is a rare occurrence. Even when they are in our proximity, these celestial bodies are often inconspicuous or at distances that require the use of telescopes, and visibility can still be a challenge.
The photographic record stands out for presenting comet 220P/McNaught with remarkable clarity and richness of detail. The event provided a unique visual experience for those who had the opportunity to witness it.
Although the observation of a bright comet is not everyday, it is possible to see the fragments left by them. When this debris enters the Earth’s atmosphere and incinerates, it forms the “shooting stars” that adorn the sky during meteor showers.
Currently, the Perseid meteor shower makes its annual appearance, lighting up the night sky. This phenomenon is caused by the remains of comet Swift-Tuttle, which passes through the solar system annually. In places with low light pollution, it is possible to see up to a hundred “shooting stars” resulting from Swift-Tuttle debris.
