Comet C/2024 S1 ATLAS breaks apart during close approach to the Sun
Summary: Comet C/2024 S1 ATLAS broke apart during its close approach to the Sun on October 28, 2024. Initially discovered on September 27, it showed promise as a bright comet but ultimately failed to survive its perihelion passage.
As it neared the Sun, S1 ATLAS began to disintegrate, resembling other sungrazers that have met similar fates. Observations confirmed its demise as it entered the field of view of the Solar Heliospheric Observatory without re-emerging.
The comet's orbital period is estimated at 953 years, indicating this was not its first journey through the inner solar system. The event highlights the unpredictable nature of sungrazing comets.
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