Next spring, a rare spectacle could light up our sky if a newly identified comet survives the trial of an extremely close pass by our star.
Designated C/2026 A1 (MAPS), this comet was spotted on January 13 by four French astronomers from Chile. At that time, it displayed a very faint brightness, barely detectable by amateur telescopes, but its glow increased rapidly in the weeks following its discovery.
If comet MAPS survives its close approach to the Sun on April 4, it could become visible in the evening sky between April 8 and 14. Use Venus as a guide. Observers should seek optimal conditions and binoculars are recommended.
Credit: Joe Rao using Starry Night Pro 8.0
Subsequently, its brightness increased notably, making it observable with intermediate instruments. Its rapid race towards the Sun could further amplify its glow in the coming weeks. Astronomers are scrutinizing its trajectory with particular interest, as it belongs to a specific cometary group.
Indeed, comets like MAPS are part of the Kreutz family, known for having produced extremely bright objects in the past. This lineage notably includes the great comets of the 19th century, which had marked observers of that era, increasing the appeal of the upcoming event.
Comet MAPS follows a very elongated orbit that will bring it close to the Sun on April 4. Its orbital period is estimated to be about 1,675 years, and it could be a fragment of a historic comet.
Credit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA. On April 4, the object will pass within about 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) of the solar surface, enduring colossal temperatures and gravitational forces. This passage presents a real risk of disintegration. However, if it survives, its brightness could rival that of Venus.
For safe observation when the comet is near the Sun, scientists advise following the live images provided by the SOHO space observatory. This instrument, the result of a collaboration between ESA and NASA, allows viewing the comet from a computer screen.
The observation window via SOHO will open from April 2 to 6, offering an exceptional view of the comet as it passes by our star.
The comet will pass through the field of view of SOHO's LASCO 3 coronagraph from April 2 to 6.
Credit: ESA / NASA / SOHO. Comet path by Joe Rao Comets of the Kreutz family
Kreutz comets are a group of celestial objects known for grazing the Sun. Their name honors the German astronomer Heinrich Kreutz, who analyzed their orbits in the 19th century. Their similar trajectories indicate a common origin, probably the fragmentation of a large comet several centuries ago.
In the past, some Kreutz comets have been among the brightest ever recorded, such as those of 1843 or 1965. Their intense brightness at perihelion sometimes makes them visible in broad daylight. These uncommon appearances offer opportunities to analyze the composition of comets.
The survival of these objects during their close pass by the Sun depends on factors like their size and internal structure. Many sublimate under the effect of heat and gravity, while others resist and offer a memorable spectacle.