The brightest comet of the year, which has been lighting up the sky over the past week, may be in the process of breaking apart ... on April 5 last year by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last ...

The comet discovered last year using the Asteroid Terrestial-Impact Last Alert ... and these destabilizing forces allow the comet to fall apart as it heats up, which is what Zhang believes ...

Related: Rare display of northern lights and Perseid meteor shower delights skywatchers worldwide (photos, video) — When: July 14 to August 24 — Peak: Aug. 11-12 — Comet of origin ...