11-29-2013, 04:59 PM
Yes, SBH, something survived but right now it's not clear what exactly. It's still very close to the sun so we might have to wait a few days, but if molecular emissions start picking up then that suggests part of the nucleus survived (these are emissions from gas produced from the nucleus ices interacting with UV from the sun). If these emissions aren't seen then what's left of ISON is likely just a load of debris that'll disintegrate further over the next week or so. If it's the former (I'm a little skeptical about that) then we still might get to see a light show but it probably won't be too spectacular. Much of comet ISON has clearly been destroyed. Scientifically this is really interesting of course no matter what has or what will happen, but as for a spectacular sight in the sky, I don't think that's likely at all now which is a shame. You never know, though and hope I'm wrong.