Captured from a rooftop in Mohalla, Jammu & Kashmir, India, during the pre-dawn hours of April 12, 2026, this image shows Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) rising in the eastern sky alongside a thin crescent Moon. The scene unfolded under a clear Himalayan sky, with the comet’s faint green coma and elongated tail gradually becoming visible against the twilight.

Moments before this capture, a mild earthquake (M 4.6) originating near Bhaderwah subtly shook the region, adding an unexpected layer of intensity to the experience. Despite the brief disturbance, the sky remained calm and offered a striking contrast to the restless world below.

The green glow of the comet—caused by diatomic carbon emissions—stood out as a rare hue in the cosmos, a reminder of how uncommon such colors are beyond Earth. This observation was made on Cosmonautics Day, commemorating Yuri Gagarin’s historic journey into space.

Equipment: Nikon Z6II + Samyang 135mm f/2
Mount: SGP on Benro tripod
Location: Mohalla, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Nikon Z6ii+ Samyang 135 f’/2 , SGP on Benro Tripod

Stacked and Blend in Photoshop