Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) has begun breaking apart after its close approach to the sun on October 8, with images showing multiple fragments of its icy nucleus.

Astronomer Gianluca Masi captured animations from stacked exposures taken between November 11 and 18, revealing three, possibly four, distinct pieces.

Earlier observations from Italy’s Asiago Observatory showed two fragments about 1,200 miles apart, with hints of a smaller third piece.

The comet is believed to originate from the Oort Cloud, a distant region of icy bodies surrounding the solar system, Space.com has reported.

This event illustrates the fragility of long-period comets as they heat near the sun, causing their nuclei to fragment.