Exploring the Fascinating Comet ATLAS Amidst Interstellar Discoveries

India Today
Exploring the Fascinating Comet ATLAS Amidst Interstellar Discoveries - Article illustration from India Today

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NASA's recent discoveries include images of Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object to visit our Solar System. However, Comet ATLAS (C/2025 K1), discovered earlier this year, has been capturing attention due to its unique behavior of breaking into multiple fragments and displaying a rare golden hue. Observations indicate that it has a luminosity of 10, allowing it to be easily seen with backyard telescopes. Stargazers are encouraged to locate it between the Big Dipper and the North Star during early morning hours.

Recently, NASA unveiled images of Comet 3I/ATLAS, marking the third known interstellar object to traverse our Solar System. While this exciting discovery has captured public attention since its finding on July 1, 2025, another comet, Comet ATLAS (C/2025 K1), discovered earlier on May 24, warrants equal consideration due to its remarkable behavior. In recent weeks, Comet ATLAS has been observed breaking apart into at least three bright fragments. Photographer Michael Jäger documented this stunning event, showcasing the comet exploding into several visible pieces on November 12, with further observations capturing its transformation on November 14, 18, 19, and 20. As of November 24, it has been traveling through the constellation Ursa Major, as reported by the stargazing application SkyLive. Unlike most comets that emit blue or green hues—characteristics resulting from gases excited by the Sun's ultraviolet radiation—Comet ATLAS (C/2025 K1) stands out with its unique golden color. This golden hue was noted in a photo taken by amateur astronomer Dan Bartlett. Astronomer Dr. David Schleicher from Lowell Observatory speculates that this color could be attributed to a lack of carbon-based molecules, such as di-carbon and cyanide, in its composition. Alongside this research, Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi captured several images of the comet’s fragmentation using a robotic telescope from the Virtual Telescope Project. Nick James, director of the comet section at the British Astronomical Association, has also noted the brightness of Comet ATLAS, which currently boasts a magnitude of 10, making it visible through standard backyard telescopes. For those keen on observing this celestial phenomenon, it is advisable to look for Comet ATLAS between the constellations of the Big Dipper and the North Star during the early morning hours. As the skies provide a perfect setting for stargazing, Comet ATLAS (C/2025 K1) is an exciting focal point for astronomers and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the wonders of our universe as it interacts with our Solar System.

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