Newly-discovered comet Atlas could shine as bright as the MOON

Comet Atlas, discovered in December 2019, is rapidly brightening as it approaches the sun. Initially predicted to be less bright, it has exceeded expectations and may become the brightest comet in years. Composed of dust, frozen water, and gases, Atlas is shedding significant amounts of gas and might disintegrate before reaching the sun. Named after the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System, it was first observed by Hawaiian observatories. If it withstands the sun's heat, Atlas will pass inside Mercury's orbit and could be visible to the naked eye on Earth in April.

What is the current brightness magnitude of the comet Atlas as it approaches the sun?

• Minus 8.5

• Plus 6.5

• Minus 6.5

• Plus 8.5

What are comets primarily made of?

• Solid ice and sand

• Liquid water and minerals

• Dust, frozen water, and gases

• Metal and rock

What is the potential fate of the comet Atlas before it reaches the sun?

• It will collide with another comet

• It will slow down

• It will disintegrate

• It will change its orbit

When was the comet Atlas first discovered?

• December 18th, 2019

• December 18th, 2018

• January 18th, 2020

• November 18th, 2019

What is the significance of the perihelion in the context of comet Atlas?

• It is the point where the comet stops moving

• It is the point where the comet changes direction

• It is the point where the comet is closest to the sun

• It is the point where the comet is farthest from the sun