Watch live video: Another ATLAS comet steals the spotlight as C/2025 K1 fractures and flees the sun

As the mystery surrounding interstellar object 3I/ATLAS refuses to settle, another cosmic traveler is drawing global attention: the fractured comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), which recently broke into multiple large pieces after a close brush with the sun. Skywatchers can watch the comet streak away from our star in a free livestream tonight.

The Virtual Telescope Project is scheduled to stream live telescopic views of the fractured comet on Nov. 24 at 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT on Nov. 25). However, as of 10:26 p.m. ET, the livestream page still displayed a “waiting for the Virtual Telescope Project” message. The broadcast is expected to feature real-time footage from the project’s robotic telescopes in Manciano, Italy, weather permitting.

Comet C/2025 K1 ATLAS cracked under solar pressure

Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) was first detected on May 24, 2025, as it barreled toward the inner solar system. Originating from the distant Oort cloud, the icy object reached perihelion, its closest pass by the sun, on Oct. 8, coming within just 31 million miles (50 million kilometers) of our star.

On Nov. 11, astronomers observed a dramatic breakup: the comet fractured into at least three large pieces, likely caused by intense solar heating that weakened its nucleus during the close encounter.

Not related to interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS

Despite sharing the ATLAS designation, the comet has no connection to the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, confirmed earlier this year as just the third known object to enter our solar system from beyond. Both simply share the name because they were discovered by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey.

Where the comet is now, and how to see it

Although too dim for the naked eye, the fractured comet can still be spotted with a small backyard telescope, appearing near the stars of the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major. Long-exposure photography can also capture its faint streak as the fragments drift apart.