Christmas phenomenon: This year’s brightest comet to pass over Ireland
Mother Nature is bestowing a fantastical Christmas gift upon us…
A bright comet is streaking across the Irish sky just in time for the holidays.
Dubbed ‘The Christmas Comet’, it will be this year’s brightest comet yet and is going to be a sight you won’t want to miss.
Astronomers have revealed to EarthSky that it will pass closest to Earth on December 16, and it should be visible to the naked eye.
In fact, scientists have already captured some stunning images of the phenomenon, using telescopes and binoculars.
It’s scientific name is Comet 46p Wirtanen and it returns every five and half years.
In images, it can be seen glowing a gorgeous green colour and is so bright that it blocks out the light from surrounding stars.
While astronomers think of the comet as a scientific occurrence, we all know the truth.
Santa is coming to town a week early this year, and we’ll be able to see him pass over us.
If you want to find the best time to see the Christmas comet, you can put in your location here.
For Dubliners, be sure to look up to the heavens at 5:40pm on December 16.
But there’s no rush, for the comet will be visible all night until 4:26am the following morning.
Hmmmm…sounds like ‘the comet’ has some important Christmas tasks to do around the neighbourhoods.
So feel free to make a night of it. Invite some friends, pick up some cans, and prepare for a rare and beautiful celestial event.
(Santa’s coming to town!)
