Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) continues its approach toward the Sun, showing increased brightness, speed, and activity, according to the Department of Astrophysics at the Physics Faculty of Baku State University (BSU).

Currently about 40 million km from the Sun and traveling at 80 km/s, the comet is expected to accelerate beyond 100 km/s and reach up to 300 km/s at its closest point. Scientists note that it has already entered the disintegration stage due to intense solar radiation, with the peak likely occurring between April 2 and 4 as it nears the solar corona.

Although the nucleus is difficult to observe, the comet’s bright tail may be briefly visible at sunset. From April 2, it is expected to be tracked by the SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO instruments.

According to current estimates, the comet is unlikely to reach the Sun intact and is expected to fully disintegrate in the coming days.