A big comet could brighten the sky in April — if it survives a dance with the sun

We now know that all these bright comets from the last two millennia — the Kreutz sungrazing family — share a common origin.

Comet MAPS faces a make-or-break moment as it dives toward the sun on April 4 — could it shine in the daytime sky?

Indeed, in the end, the tail might be all that is left to be seen of Comet MAPS.

A rare sungrazing comet is about to make an extreme flyby in April

If C/2026 A1 (MAPS) survives its close encounter with the sun, it could blaze brightly enough to be seen from Earth.
Space.com on MSN

Watch comet C/2026 A1 plunge toward the sun online this week

Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) belongs to a rare group of sungrazing comets.

Comet Alert: A Sungrazer May Soon Blaze After Sunset — Or Break Apart

C/2026 A1 (MAPS) and C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) —could become visible in April. One may be super-bright or disintegrate, while the other may be more predictable.
IFLScience

Newly Discovered Sungrazing Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) Could Be The Brightest Of The Year

Alfredo has a PhD in Astrophysics and a Master's in Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces from Imperial College London. Alfredo has a PhD in Astrophysics and a Master's in Quantum Fields and ...
Forbes

A Possible Daylight Comet Is Coming — Or The Sun May Destroy It

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An award-winning reporter writing about stargazing and the night sky. This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. This ...

NASA Reveals Date of Comet’s ‘Closest Approach’ to Earth—What to Know

NASA notes that while the comet may be one of the brighter ones of the year, it will likely still require binoculars or a ...
The Conversation

A new comet was just discovered. Will it be visible in broad daylight?

Jonti Horner does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their ...