A recently discovered comet, C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), dramatically broke apart after a close pass by the sun. Viewers can watch live telescopic footage of the fragmented comet tonight, November 24, via a livestream hosted by the Virtual Telescope Project. The stream begins at 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT on Nov. 25), weather permitting, and will showcase real-time views from robotic telescopes in Italy.
Discovery and Trajectory
Comet ATLAS was first observed heading toward the sun in May 2025. Scientists believe it originated from the Oort cloud, a distant reservoir of icy objects surrounding the solar system. On October 8, the comet reached its closest point to the sun (perihelion), passing within 31 million miles.
Dramatic Fragmentation
On November 11, astronomers witnessed the comet splitting into at least three large pieces. This likely occurred because the intense solar heat destabilized the comet’s core, causing it to fracture. This event highlights how extreme conditions in space can rapidly alter celestial bodies.
Distinguishing ATLAS Comets
It’s important to note that C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) is separate from the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which was confirmed as only the third interstellar visitor to our solar system this past July. Both were discovered by the same NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) program, which explains the shared name.
Viewing Opportunities
Although not visible to the naked eye, the fractured comet can still be observed with small telescopes or captured in long-exposure photographs. It currently appears near the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major.
The breakup of Comet ATLAS provides a rare opportunity to observe a celestial body undergoing dramatic change in real-time. This event reinforces the dynamic nature of our solar system and the powerful influence of the sun on passing objects. The livestream tonight will offer a unique perspective on this ongoing phenomenon.
