comet 96p/machholz or 96p/machholz 1 is a short-period sungrazing comet discovered on may 12, 1986, by amateur astronomer donald machholz on loma prieta peak, in central california using binoculars. on june 6, 1986, 96p/machholz passed from the earth. 96p/machholz last came to perihelion on october 27, 2017, and will next come to perihelion on january 31, 2023. the comet has an estimated diameter of around .