Permanence of the preperihelion brightening slowdown of C/2026 A1 (MAPS)

Determine whether the observed preperihelion brightening slowdown in the normalized light curve of comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) is permanent or temporary.

Background

Analysis of preperihelion photometry indicates that comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) initially exhibited accelerated brightening that appears to have ceased more than 50 days before perihelion. The authors emphasize that this change may or may not persist.

Resolving the permanence of this slowdown affects predictions of peak brightness near perihelion and informs interpretations of the comet’s activity and dust production behavior.

References

It remains to be seen whether the slowdown in Figure 1 is permanent or temporary.

— New Kreutz Sungrazer C/2026 A1 (MAPS): Third Time's the Charm?  (2602.17626 - Sekanina, 19 Feb 2026) in Section 6: The Light Curve