Long Island stargazers hoping to catch a glimpse of the so-called “Headless Comet” this Halloween were met with a spooky twist. Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), initially dubbed the “Halloween Comet,” disintegrated on October 28th during its close pass around the sun, dashing hopes of a dramatic display. However, local astronomers are still offering stargazers a chance to see its “ghostly” predecessor, another comet visible over Long Island skies this week.
The comet, known as C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), was originally called the “Halloween Comet” due to its close approach to Earth around Halloween. But with astronomers spotting fragments breaking off even before its October 28th solar encounter, it soon earned a spookier moniker, the “Headless Comet.” Alan Cousins, Vice President of the Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold, confirmed the comet’s demise.
“Unfortunately, Comet C/2024 S1 ATLAS did not survive its trip around the sun. It disintegrated on Monday, Oct. 28,” he said, adding that the comet’s remains are unlikely to appear in the night sky.
This latest event marks an abrupt end to one of October’s most anticipated cosmic spectacles. The disintegration of C/2024 S1 ATLAS means stargazers will have to turn to the early October comet, C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which continues to make appearances, although fait and not really visible to the naked eye.
“We are continuing to show the public on Saturday nights the earlier comet, C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, while it’s still visible,” Cousins said.
Long Islanders can visit the observatory for a close-up of the comet before it, too, fades from view.
Read: Six Observatories You Can Go To See the Universe Through a Telescope on Long Island
C/2024 S1 ATLAS aka “Headless Comet” was classified as a Kreutz sungrazer—a type of comet with a history of either spectacular displays or disintegration upon reaching perihelion, the closest approach to the sun. Its death dive was captured in a dramatic video showing the moment the comet disintegrated. Despite its brief appearance, C/2024 S1 ATLAS managed to ignite excitement among astronomers, who noted its rapid approach and the unusual chance it offered for a Halloween skywatching treat.
The best opportunity for stargazing on Long Island now shifts back to C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which will remain visible for a few more weeks. Cousins and his colleagues at Custer Institute and Observatory will continue offering guided sessions every Saturday night, giving residents a chance to see this other “Halloween comet” while it’s still on display.
For further reading and to learn more about Comet C/2024 S1 ATLAS’s final moments, check out Space.com’s recent coverage and video documentation of the comet’s death dive.
