A new celestial visitor – C/2026 A1 (MAPS) – has been identified in our solar system, and it is already generating significant interest within the astronomical community. On January 13, 2026, a team of astronomers from the MAPS program (Maury, Attard, Parrott, and Signoret) discovered a new comet using the AMACS1 observatory in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Designated C/2026 A1 (MAPS), this object is not just another comet; it belongs to the fascinating family of Kreutz sungrazers.
What is a Kreutz Sungrazer?
C/2026 A1 (MAPS) has been classified as a “Kreutz sungrazer.” This specific group of comets is composed of fragments from a massive parent comet that broke apart centuries ago (likely the Great Comet of 1106 or an even earlier progenitor). These comets follow a very similar orbit that takes them extremely close to the Sun—literally “grazing” its outer atmosphere. Most Kreutz fragments are small and vaporize completely before they can be seen. However, this family has also produced some of the most spectacular comets in history, such as the Great Comet of 1965 (Ikeya-Seki) and Comet Lovejoy in 2011.
Why is C/2026 A1 Special?
What makes C/2026 A1 (MAPS) unique is its discovery distance. Most sungrazers are small and are only detected by solar observatories (like SOHO) just hours before they plunge into the Sun. Comet MAPS, however, was discovered at a distance of about 2 AU (Astronomical Units) from the Sun. This early detection suggests that the nucleus could be relatively large, increasing its chances of surviving its fiery encounter with our star.
Visibility Forecast:
Will it be Visible to the Naked Eye? The comet is currently heading towards its perihelion (closest approach to the Sun), which will occur around April 4–5, 2026. At that moment, it will pass just ~120,000 to 170,000 km above the solar surface.
- The Critical Moment: If the nucleus is robust enough to withstand the intense solar heat and tidal forces, C/2026 A1 could develop a long, bright tail and become a naked-eye object.
- Daylight Visibility? There is a possibility that around the time of perihelion, the comet could become bright enough to be visible even in broad daylight, although it would be perilously close to the Sun’s glare.
- Post-Perihelion: If it survives the encounter, the comet would likely emerge in the evening sky during the second week of April. Current orbital calculations suggest that observers in the Southern Hemisphere will have the best viewing conditions.
Conclusion
While comets are notoriously unpredictable – often described as “dirty snowballs” – C/2026 A1 (MAPS) is a promising candidate for the next bright comet. We will continue to monitor its light curve and update our charts as it approaches the inner solar system.