The other day, astronomers reported that the famous comet ATLAS began to gradually collapse as it approached the Sun.
Comet ATLAS, also known as C / 2019 Y4, was first detected on March 5, 2019 with a telescope system. The comet immediately attracted the interest of the astronomical community as it was heading straight for the Sun. Not so long ago, after a year of flight after the first observation, a comet flew past Mars. However, to their surprise, astronomers found that it had already begun to decay.
Previously, it was hoped that the ice comet would hold out until it got close enough to the Sun. This would allow it to become as bright in the night sky as the planet Venus, which looks like a very bright star.
However, recent observations have shown that the comet has already begun to fall apart. Here's what Karl Buttams of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington said on the matter:
'Perhaps this is the beginning of the end. The comet's orbit is currently affected by internal gravity. Gases rise from the comet's nucleus and cause the nucleus to move very slightly in the opposite direction, like a jet engine. Most active comets experience this to some extent, but the ATLAS gravitational forces took effect very sharply and quite strongly. '
'This confirms the theory that a small nucleus is expelled due to the strong release of gas, tearing the comet into fragments. It should not be forgotten that ATLAS is a fragment of a larger (unidentified) comet, also associated with the Great Comet of 1844. Fragmentation is the hallmark of such objects. '
Nevertheless, astronomers note that this is not the end for ATLAS, and until the sad event occurs, they will continue to observe.
