STARGAZERS and amateur astronomers have the rare opportunity to see a newly discovered comet over the next two nights.

The comet, which was discovered by Japanese astronomer Masayuki Iwamoto at the end of 2018, will present itself to those with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope tonight or tomorrow night, says South Wales Argus atronomer Jonathan Powell.

"Comet Iwamoto visits from beyond the Kuiper Belt and has an estimated orbital period of 1,371 years, meaning it won’t be seen again until 3390," he added.

"Travelling at just under 148,000 miles hour, Comet Iwamoto is set for its closest approach to Earth at 28 million miles.

"The best nights for seeing the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle are said to be tonight and tomorrow.

"The comet may well display a green tinge in optical aids, as it passes from Virgo into Leo in the pre-dawn sky."

Mr Powell is also a BBC Sky at Night Magazine columnist, and author of Cosmic Debris; Rare Astronomical Sights and Sounds.