Comet ISON may have shattered during a major heating event

Space · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Astronomers believe there is a more than 90% probability that Comet ISON broke apart on Thanksgiving Day. As the comet approached the sun, intense heat may have destroyed it, leaving scientists to use Earth and space-based telescopes to search for whatever remains of the celestial body.

The fate of Comet ISON remains uncertain following a significant thermal event. This sudden disintegration has shifted the scientific focus from observation to a search for the comet's surviving remnants. This unexpected breakup occurred as the object made its close approach to the solar body. Scientists are now racing to identify any surviving debris from the fragmentation event.

To determine the extent of the comet's destruction, NASA plans to utilize a diverse array of telescopes. This monitoring effort will span several weeks, employing both Earth-based and space-based instruments to confirm the comet's ultimate fate. The mission seeks to understand how such intense solar heating impacts the structural integrity of cometary nuclei. This observation period will involve a variety of specialized instruments. Such monitoring is essential to confirm the final status of the comet's trajectory and composition.

While the comet's survival is in question, other NASA operations continue unabated. This includes ongoing research aboard the International Space Station, such as Expedition 75's work on specialized suits and vein scanning. Meanwhile, missions like the SunRISE heliophysics experiment are being prepared for a launch no earlier than mid-2027. In other news, the Orion spacecraft is undergoing testing for its thermal protection system. Additionally, Blue Origin has reached a significant new milestone in its development. The Rover Challenge is also underway, alongside a recent medal awarded to Stone. Finally, NASA is celebrating the achievements of the Centaur mission.

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