'Halloween Comet' ATLAS (C/2024 S1) Disintegrates After Close Pass to Sun

Oct 29, 2024, 02:03 PM

The recently discovered comet ATLAS (C/2024 S1), also known as the 'Halloween comet,' has disintegrated after passing close to the sun. Initially, the comet showed promise by brightening significantly in September, leading to hopes it might survive its close approach to the sun and be visible during Halloween week. However, the comet melted away when it passed within 0.008 AU of the sun, dashing stargazers' hopes of seeing it in the sky. The event was captured in a video showing the comet burning up as it flew into the sun. Astronomers had recorded the comet's path for an entire week using the SOHO space observatory, noting its nucleus, dusty coma, and long tail. Unfortunately, the comet's disintegration means it will no longer be visible to observers. The comet is also referred to as C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS).