Unfortunately, Comet ISON did not survive its close encounter with the Sun. Despite some initial hope that it might have fragmented and survived, subsequent observations revealed that the comet had completely disintegrated.

Original Answer: (September 2013)

Comet ISON is making its closest approach to the Sun, known as perihelion, and scientists are eagerly awaiting its fate. The comet has already brightened considerably as it approaches the Sun, but its future is still uncertain.

There is a small chance that Comet ISON could survive its close brush with the Sun and emerge intact on the other side. However, the Sun's intense heat and radiation could also cause the comet to fragment or even completely vaporize.

If ISON does survive, it could become one of the brightest comets visible from Earth in modern times. However, even if the comet does fragment or disintegrate, it will still provide valuable information about the composition and evolution of comets.

Here's a breakdown of the two possible scenarios:

If ISON survives:

- The comet will experience intense heating as it approaches the Sun, causing its gases and dust to expand and create a bright, glowing coma.

- The comet's tail will become longer and more prominent as it moves away from the Sun, pushed by the solar wind.

- ISON could become one of the brightest comets visible from Earth in modern times, outshining even the famous Hale-Bopp comet of 1997.

If ISON disintegrates:

- The comet's nucleus could fragment into smaller pieces as it approaches the Sun, or it could completely vaporize.

- The resulting debris will spread out into a cloud of gas and dust, which could still be visible from Earth.

- ISON would not become as bright as it would if it survived, but it would still provide valuable information about the structure and evolution of comets.

In either case, Comet ISON is sure to provide a spectacular show in the night sky. Stay tuned for updates as scientists continue to monitor its progress.