A newly discovered comet called MAPS (scientific designation C/2026 A1), is creating a flurry of excitement in astronomy circles. It is likely to become visible to the naked eye after its perihelion passage on April 4 and put on a dazzling show on the western sky during the twilight hours in early April.
Comet MAPS will swing around the Sun on April 4, coming to within 160,000 km. of the solar surface. If it survives the perihelion passage intact, it will brighten up significantly, perhaps becoming as bright as Venus - or even brighter than the Full Moon as per some estimates - and develop a spectacular tail. That will be a visual treat, more impressive than any naked eye comet sighting in recent decades.
