Atlas: Comet spotted hurtling towards Earth and prompting excitement for blazing flyby appears to ha

[Eugene]

Source: The Independent

Atlas: Comet spotted hurtling towards Earth and prompting excitement for blazing flyby appears to have broken apart, astronomers say

Andrew Griffin
@_andrew_griffin
12 hours ago

A comet that is hurtling towards Earth, prompting hopes for a blazing flyby, appears to have disintegrated, according to astronomers tracking it.

Comet Atlas had been forecast to become "really, really stunning" within weeks, as it got closer to Earth.

Astronomers expected that it could be seen moving among the stars before reaching its closest point to us, in May.

-snip-

Astronomers tracking the journey of the comet, which is officially known as C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS), show that it appears to have broken up.

Recent images show that there appears to be an "elongated pseudo-nucleus" that is lined up with the tail. That shape is in line with "a major disruption" of the comet, astronomers Quanzhi Ye and Qicheng Zhang wrote in a message to colleagues.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/atlas-comet-earth-sky-night-space-2019-y4-a9453611.html

[Jamastiene]

1. I guess Giant Meteor of Death 2020 is not happening then.

I couldn't help it. That joke always makes me laugh.

[AZ8theist]

2. If "Giant Meteor of Death 2020"....

is a metaphor from the Idiot Traitorous ASSWIPE in the WH, then, YES it is happening as we speak....

[Igel]

3. Expect the meme momentarily.

Black background, "Giant Meteor of Death 2020" in bold white letters at the bottom, and framed picture of a child's snowcone that fell on the ground.

[csziggy]

4. Any chance the pieces might hit Earth?

Here is a simulation of what might happen if Shoemaker-Levy had hit the Earth - it would have been devastating.