Astronomers Investigate Potential Remnants of Disintegrated Comet ATLAS
Researchers explore the possibility that fragments of Comet C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS), which disintegrated in 2020, may still exist in the solar system.
In December 2019, astronomers discovered Comet C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS), which initially showed promise of becoming a bright, naked-eye object by May 2020. However, in March 2020, the comet began to disintegrate, breaking into numerous fragments. Observations by the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2020 identified approximately 30 pieces on April 20 and 25 pieces on April 23.
A recent study led by Salvatore A. Cordova Quijano of Boston University investigated whether any substantial fragments of Comet ATLAS remain. The team conducted observations in August and October 2020 using the Lowell Discovery Telescope in Arizona and the Zwicky Transient Facility in California. These searches did not detect any remnants, suggesting that any surviving fragments are likely smaller than half a kilometer in diameter.
The researchers noted that the uncertain fate of Comet ATLAS raises questions about the survival of comet fragments post-disintegration. They emphasized the importance of follow-up observations after such events to determine the state of any remnants and to gain insights into comet disruption dynamics.
Comet ATLAS was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in December 2019. It brightened rapidly until mid-March 2020, leading to initial expectations of high visibility. However, the comet's abrupt dimming and subsequent fragmentation altered these predictions.
The study underscores the need for timely and dedicated observations following comet disintegration events to enhance understanding of cometary behavior and the potential survival of fragments.