NASA captures stunning breakup of comet ATLAS
Comet ATLAS (C/2025 K1) was dramatically caught breaking apart—a rare cosmic event first spotted by photographer Michael Jager, who even made an animation of the moment.
The breakup has everyone buzzing, especially since another interstellar visitor, Comet 3I/ATLAS, is cruising through our Solar System right now.
Why this comet stands out
Comet ATLAS isn't your average space rock—it glows with a unique golden color instead of the usual green.
Amateur astronomer Dan Bartlett noticed this unusual hue, and Dr. David Schleicher suggested it may be because ATLAS is probably lacking certain carbon molecules found in most comets.
Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi used the Virtual Telescope Project to snap images showing the comet splitting into at least three pieces.
If you have a backyard telescope, you can spot ATLAS in Ursa Major right now—its brightness and golden glow are making it a favorite among skywatchers this month.