A rare green comet will be visible above Ireland this week

Cast your eyes to the skies.

Astrologist enthusiasts are in for a treat over the next week, as a rare green comet will be visible from Ireland for the first time in 50,000 years.

The comet, known as Comet C/2022 E3 or ZTF will be visible to the naked eye, becoming brightest on Wed 1st and Thurs 2nd February. Comet C only orbits around the Earth every 50,000 years, so this is a phenomenon not to be missed.

Speaking to The Journal about the rare comet, Founder of Astronomy Ireland David Moore said:

“The great thing about astronomy is that even though this comet wasn’t visible since the Stone Age, 50,000 years is nothing in the timescale of astronomy.

“I’ve seen it in binoculars, some keen sighted people in the countryside say they can faintly see it with the naked eye already, which makes it one of the brightest comets of the last few years”.

David has also offered advice to those eager to catch the comet – mainly to head out to rural areas, away from city lights.

“Get away from streetlights,” the astrologist advised.

“That’s the best thing you can do to increase your odds of a good view. We are lucky because the comet will be near the North Star. It will be visible from dusk to dawn so you don’t have to perfectly time you viewing. Ireland has a ringside seat”.

The comet will be much easier to see through a binocular or telescope, and Astronomy Ireland will be hosting a viewing party at their Blanchardstown HQ tonight (25th Jan) for members of the public who’d like to use their large telescope.

The organisation are also inviting anyone who got a telescope for Christmas but is having difficulty assembling it or using to the event, where they will be shown by a patient expert how everything works.

The public are welcome from 7pm onwards – more info is available HERE.

Header image via Shutterstock

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