'Comet of the Century' to be visible in Ireland tonight - here's how you can see it

A comet that was last visible from Earth when Neanderthals were alive could be spotted with the naked eye this weekend, scientists have said.

This giant ball of ice, dust and rocks has been hurtling towards us at over 60km/h for the past few weeks and will make its closest approach to Earth tonight. Now, experts have revealed the best time for us to see it - and while sightings aren't guaranteed, it looks like we're in for a very good chance down in the Southwest after sunset.

Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) has been called “the comet of the century” because of how bright and visible it could be, according to the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).

Astronomers said it would last have been visible from our planet around 80,000 years ago, and was only discovered in January 2023.

Stargazers in the southern hemisphere have already glimpsed Comet A3 but it can now also be seen in the northern hemisphere, the society said.

Between October 12 and 30, people may be able to see the comet using binoculars or even with the naked eye.

Experts say we may be able to see the comet with the naked eye - but binoculars or a wide-field view telescope is recommended to get a better look.

In a video on the society’s website, deputy director Dr Robert Massey said taking photos of the comet may be possible, particularly if using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera.

Have you been able to spot Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS yet? ☄️

If you missed the first window to catch it, don't worry! There will be another chance to do so when the second window opens this Saturday (12 Oct).

Why not check out the video below for tips on how best to see it... pic.twitter.com/RXArU2UCYh

— Royal Astronomical Society (@RoyalAstroSoc) October 8, 2024

According to the RAS, the comet comes from the Oort Cloud – a giant spherical shell that surrounds our solar system and contains billions of objects including comets.

If you're lucky to catch a glimpse of the comet and are looking to capture a photo to mark the historic event, Dr Robert Massey from The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has some advice, saying: "If you have a good mobile phone camera and a small telescope, you can hold the mobile phone against the eyepiece of the telescope and try to take a picture that way.

"That worked well with comets like NEOWISE and it might work well with this one, depending on how bright it is. And if it's genuinely easy to spot, you might, might be able to pick up your mobile phone, rest on something, and just point and shoot."