Comet ATLAS breaks into 3 pieces after close solar swing

Technology Nov 14, 2025

Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) just had a dramatic moment in space—after swinging close to the Sun on October 8, it broke into three pieces.
Astronomers captured this cosmic breakup using Italy's Copernicus telescope.
Even though the comet was getting brighter since its discovery in May, it never quite made it to naked-eye status.

Breakup offers insights into comets' origins

The Sun's intense heat and gravity shook up ATLAS's core, causing it to split apart by November 11.
Two big chunks drifted about 2,000km from each other, with a smaller third piece to the left of the pair—spotted by astronomer Mazzotta Epifani.
Scientists say this breakup gives us cool clues about where comets come from (probably the distant Kuiper belt) and how they react when they get too close to our star.