Defying Expectations: ‘Other ATLAS’ Comet Survives Sun Encounter, Turns Golden
A comet that should have been torn apart by the Sun has not only survived but transformed into a spectacular golden spectacle. C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), discovered in May, made an extremely close pass by our star on October 8, defying astronomical predictions.
Key Takeaways
- Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) survived a close solar encounter on October 8.
- It has developed a rare golden colour, a phenomenon seen in only two other known comets.
- The comet will be closest to Earth on November 25 and is visible with binoculars or a telescope.
A Surprising Survival
Coming within 50 million kilometres of the Sun, the comet was expected to be shredded by our star’s gravitational pull. Instead, it emerged with only partial damage. On October 29, astrophotographer Dan Bartlett captured the comet from California, revealing its distinct golden glow and a long, flared tail boosted by solar winds.
“This comet was not supposed to survive its October 8th perihelion, but it did,” Bartlett told Spaceweather.com. He noted it now displays “a red/brown/golden colour rarely seen in comets.” Other photographers in California and Arizona confirmed these observations.
The Mystery of the Golden Colour
While comets commonly appear green or blue due to chemicals like dicarbon or carbon monoxide, a golden hue is exceptionally rare. Astronomer David Schleicher says C/2025 K1 lacks these typical “carbon-bearing molecules,” which may explain its unique colour.
“We don’t know exactly why” it turned golden, Schleicher admitted to Spaceweather.com, suggesting the solar flyby or its low gas-to-dust ratio could be factors. Only two other comets are known to exhibit similar golden features.
How to View the Golden Comet
C/2025 K1 has brightened to magnitude 9 but remains invisible to the naked eye. To spot it:
- Use binoculars or a telescope
- Look towards the constellations Virgo and Leo in the eastern sky
- Best viewing is shortly before sunrise
- The comet will reach its closest point to Earth on November 25
This resilient visitor continues to intrigue astronomers as it makes its journey through our solar system, offering a rare golden spectacle for dedicated skywatchers.
