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In a dramatic development that has drawn the attention of astronomers from around the world, comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) has begun to break apart following its recent close approach to the Sun. The first signs began to emerge on November 11, when researchers at Italy's Asiago Observatory detected some strange distortions in the comet's structure using the 1.82-metre Copernicus telescope.

High-resolution frames showed the nucleus splitting into separate pieces, a sign that the comet's internal structure had suffered severe pressure. Italian astronomer Mazzotta Epifani, who analyzed the initial images, confirmed that the comet had fractured into two similarly-sized fragments separated by nearly 2,000 kilometres.

A third, dimmer fragment positioned to their left suggested a more complex breakup than earlier assumed. Scientists say the break-up appears to be accelerating as the pieces continue drifting apart.

Close Solar Pass Triggered Collapse

According to experts cited by Space.com, the breakup probably started shortly after the comet made its perihelion pass on October 8, coming dangerously close to the Sun. The intense heat triggered rapid sublimation, causing its frozen gases to expand violently.

While the brightening of the coma and tail was expected, astronomers now believe the nucleus could not resist the increase in internal pressure and underwent a structural collapse which is a characteristic of fragile first-time comets coming from the Kuiper Belt.

Further confirmation came on November 12 and 13, with astronomer Gianluca Masi from the Virtual Telescope Project capturing fresh images. His 24-hour animation shows fragments rapidly changing positions, revealing just how quickly the comet is breaking apart. According to Masi, clear viewing conditions allowed his telescope to document "precious details" of this rare celestial event.

Kuiper Belt Origin Makes Fragmentation Significant

C/2025 K1 is thought to have its origins in the distant Kuiper Belt, a reservoir of primordial, icy bodies that have preserved the early solar system's constituents.

Its breakup, while dramatic, presents a rare opportunity for scientists to see pristine matter that has remained unchanged for billions of years. Scientists say the current fragmentation can yield valuable insights into the composition and behavior of long-period comets.

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With speculation growing online, scientists have weighed in to clarify that C/2025 K1 ATLAS has no connection with the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which also gained attention on its own. The naming similarity arises merely from their discovery under the same ATLAS survey and is in no way based on a physical or orbital relationship.

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As the fragments of C/2025 K1 continue to drift apart, observatories across the world are racing to gather detail-rich data before the remains of the comet disperse further into space.

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