A comet named C/2026 A1 (MAPS) has just been noticed by astronomers. Its identification, well before its arrival near the Sun, constitutes an unusual event for this type of object.
Kreutz comets, among which MAPS is found, are probably fragments of the same parent body disintegrated several centuries ago. Their orbits bring them to graze our star, and some, like those observed in 1843 or 1965, have developed exceptional brightness. Their origin could date back to historical events, such as the great comet reported in 371 BCE.
View of comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS). Credit: Denis Huber/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0
The detection of MAPS is distinguished by its early discovery: it was made eleven weeks before its perihelion, which represents a record for a comet in this group. This time frame allows researchers to organize a meticulous follow-up of its evolution and to plan in-depth observations.
During its closest approach to the Sun, expected in early April, the comet will be exposed to very high temperatures and strong gravitational stresses. These extreme conditions jeopardize its integrity, as many members of this family end up vaporizing or disintegrating. Astronomical records indicate that only the most robust nuclei survive such proximity.
Predictions regarding the brightness of MAPS are divided within the scientific community. Some analyses, relayed in publications such as the
Circular of the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, anticipate its disappearance. Conversely, on specialized platforms, other experts consider that it could become visible without instruments. These divergences show the unpredictable nature of such phenomena.
The coming weeks of observation will allow refining projections on the fate of this object. In the hypothesis that its brightness increases significantly, it could beautify the sky at dusk during the month of April.