Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS)
Taken by José J. Chambó on February 19, 2026 @
Valencia, Spain
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The comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) appears in this image obtained on February 19, 2026, shining near magnitude 13, as this new and remarkable object begins drawing attention due to the possibility of becoming very bright in late March during its extremely close passage to the Sun.
At the time of capture it was very low above the southwest horizon at dusk, in the constellation of Eridanus. I took advantage of a brief window of clear sky before the Moon began to interfere with observations in the following nights.
The comet was not visible in the individual frames, but after aligning the images on its motion it clearly emerged in the stacked result, revealing a small greenish coma suspended among the background stars.
The scene conveys the comet’s still subtle nature at this early stage, dominated by gaseous emissions and showing a diffuse appearance that contrasts with the pinpoint stars of the field.
It wouldn’t show itself… until I insisted long enough.
TS-Photon 8" f/4, Atik 383L+. 43x60s, FOV=48x36'(crop), N:Up E:Left. OAV, Valencia (Spain). J.J. Chambó, cometografia.es
Photographer's website:
https://cometografia.es
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