"Seal Astronomical Observatory" Documents the splitting of comet C/2025 K1 into three nuclei
Abu Dhabi, 1st December / WAM / The Seal Astronomical Observatory of the International Astronomy Center succeeded in documenting the fragmentation of comet C/2025 K1 into several nuclei, most notably (A), (B), and (C), after monitoring it over several consecutive days in November 2025.
The observatory conducted accurate astronomical observations of parts B and C and sent the results to the International Astronomical Union, thus becoming the first Arab observatory to document these parts with photography and astronomical measurements.
The comet had aroused the interest of observers and experts after it surprised them by splitting into multiple parts. The first split was recorded on November 10 with the appearance of two nuclei, then three nuclei could be observed on November 13. It is likely that the split occurred after the comet passed close to the sun on October 8 last year, as its increased activity led to fragmentation. The comet was discovered last May through the Atlas network of telescopes.
This fragmentation was widely monitored by several international observatories that continuously followed the comet’s fragmentation stages, and numerous analyzes emerged about the evolution of the movement of its parts and their influence on solar winds and solar pressure that led to the current divisions.
The Small Asteroid Center of the International Astronomical Union added the second and third comet nuclei as objects independent of the main nucleus, and gave them the symbols C/2025 K1-B and C/2025 K1-C. It has become necessary for observers to identify the nucleus that is being observed when sending astronomical measurements.
In response, the Seal Astronomical Observatory conducted standard observations of the three nuclei, determined their locations in the sky with high precision, and sent the results to the International Astronomical Union to contribute to refining the comet’s orbit.
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