Scientists obtained images of the disintegration of a near-sun "burnt-out" comet
This is the first time such a body has been photographed during this breakup process.
To the researchers' surprise, 323P/SOHO changed dramatically during its visit to the Sun. In the original pictures, the object was just a dot. This suggested that it had completely lost its supply of volatiles, becoming a "burned-out" comet.
Later, 323P/SOHO acquired a long dusty tail. Intense radiation from our star caused parts of the comet to break off due to thermal breakup, similar to the way ice cubes crack when a hot drink is poured on them.