"A sungrazer comet can be defined as a distinct type of comet that passes extremely close to the Sun at its closest point, known as perihelion."
"This particular sungrazer headed across the sky this April is called C/2026 A1 (MAPS), sweeping significantly close to the Sun, roughly less than a million miles."
"Because these comets get so close to the Sun, it is exposed to intense solar radiation and strong gravitational forces, which put significant stress on it."
"As of mid-March, the comet is brightening as it approaches the inner solar system, having brightened to around magnitude 10."
Recent weeks have featured significant celestial events, including the Blood Moon, spring equinox, and planetary conjunctions. NASA's Artemis II mission is set to launch soon, marking a return to lunar exploration. Between April 5-8, the sungrazer comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) is expected to be visible if it survives its close approach to the Sun. This comet's perihelion will occur on April 4-5, and it has been brightening as it nears the inner solar system, potentially reaching a brightness of +1 to -2 magnitude.
Read at FOX Weather
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