Named “ZTF” after the facility in California by which it was discovered last March, the comet was last visible from Earth over thousand years ago, before Ireland was even inhabited by humans, and woolly mammoths roamed world.

As told to TheJournal.ie, David Moore, founder of Astronomy Ireland, said: “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.”

Moore said it may be difficult for city-dwellers to see the comet due to light pollution, but those in the countryside may have an easier time seeing it.

Astronomy Ireland will be hosting a viewing event in their headquarters in Blanchardstown, Dublin, tonight at 7pm. Tickets can be booked here.