IN NEWS of potentially Biblical proportions, a comet is set to pass unusually close to Earth this December, giving sky-watchers across Ireland a rare festive treat.
Astronomy Ireland has confirmed that Comet Wirtanen will fly nearer to Earth than at any other point during our lifetime.
Best of all, astronomers in Ireland hoping to get a closer look over will be granted front-row seats with the comet set to pass over Ireland on December 14th.
This is when the comet will be at its closest and brightest for those living on the Emerald Isle.
And while the comet is expected to be visible across Ireland’s various towns and cities, Astronomy Ireland will also be setting up telescopes for special viewings at its Dublin headquarters.
David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine, had spoken of his excitement over the news.
"We have not had a comet this well placed and bright for many years,” he said.
"We have dubbed Comet Wirtanen 'the Christmas Comet of 2018' for this reason.
"We want to give the general public a close up look at this comet in powerful telescopes.
"We'll show them where it is in the sky with the naked eye and then show them a close up view several thousand times better in the telescopes!"
Anyone hoping to observe a comet from the ground should try and use a decent pair of binoculars.
A pair of 7x50 binoculars should do the trick and ensure you make the most of this truly unique astrological spectacle.
The appearance of a comet in December of all months will add to the Christmassy feel of the month.
According to The Bible, the Three Wise Men were guided to the birthplace of Jesus Christ by a star high above them.
Some have theorised that said star could have, in fact, been a comet.
