NASA’s Hubble Accidentally Witnesses a Comet Shattering in Space

Hubble’s STIS instrument captured comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) breaking apart over three days in November 2025.

The observations showed at least four fragments after the comet had recently passed perihelion.

Scientists say the breakup offers a rare look at how comets disintegrate after intense solar heating.

The event could help researchers study primordial solar system material and comet evolution.