Comet ISON has lit up the sky of late, but not to the dazzling expectations many have set out for it, although the best may still be to come.

According to BBC News, the comet has let out two shots of gas and dust while slowly growing brighter, although still not quite living up to expectations. The comet's closest approach to the sun has not happened yet and should occur on Nov. 28.

If ISON survives its close encounter with the sun, it could provide Earth viewers with a magnificent light show. Due to flying so near to the sun, there is a chance the comet breaks apart under the intense heat and gravity.

Two recent photos, one from Nov. 15 (taken by Damian Peach) and the other on Nov. 13 (from the Wendelsein Observatory) show ISON's latest burst of gas and dust, creating a brilliant trail of light.

"Features like these typically occur after individual fragments break off the nucleus," said Hermann Bohnhardt, of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany.

ISON's recent activity may suggest the nucleus of the comet is fragmenting, as Bohnhardt observed. Still, there has not been a consensus of opinions either way.

About one year ago, astronomers predicted the comet would light up the sky so bright, it would be clearly visible even in the middle of the day.

"I got up to see it this morning and was defeated by cloud," said Dr. Robert Massey, from the United Kingdom's Royal Astronomical Society.

"Most people I've spoken to don't think it's going to be that bright," he said. "I would really like it to be bright... but it's still quite hard to see now."

Despite what some might call disappointing, ISON does have its supporters who would even call the comet's activity's "stunning." In a blog post Monday, the NASA Comet ISON Observing Campaign said Thursday will give people on Earth the best chance to see the comet.

"We may not find out until ISON reaches the field of view of the NASA STEREO spacecraft on November 21, 2013," read the post. "Until then we encourage everyone to make the most of what has turned out to be a truly stunning comet!"