Overview
- Comet C/2026 A1 MAPS is forecast to be visible to the naked eye over New York City in early April, with the best chance by looking southwest at dusk.
- The comet is roughly one mile wide and will sweep very close to the sun, which can boost its brightness and grow a long tail but also raises the risk it fragments.
- Astronomers caution the display is not guaranteed, noting comets can flare to planet‑like brightness or fade if they break up near the sun.
- NASA is targeting an Artemis II launch in an April 1–6 window for a 10‑day figure‑eight flight around Earth and the moon without landing, with coverage on NASA+.
- The Lyrids meteor shower runs April 14–30 and peaks April 21–22 after 10 p.m., and free telescope nights across the city include an April 24 event on the Intrepid’s flight deck.