02/04/2026
Closest Approach: C/2026 A1 (MAPS), Earth
April 6, 2026, 8:00.
Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on April 5β6, 2026, with the precise moment occurring at approximately 23:57 UTC on April 5.
Key Timing Details (UTC)
Solar Conjunction (In front of/behind Sun): April 4, 2026, at approximately 13:20 and 15:36 UTC.
Perihelion (Closest to the Sun): April 4, 2026, at approximately 14:22 UTC.
Closest Approach to Earth: April 5, 2026, at 23:57 UTC.
Viewing Opportunities
If the comet survives its extremely close brush with the Sun (passing just 161,000 km from the solar surface), it may become visible to the naked eye shortly after.