Astronomy Ireland will host the first public viewing in this country of the so called "comet of the century" - Comet Hale Bopp - at the Papal cross in Dublin's Phoenix Park tonight at 9 p.m. The comet, discovered last summer, is hurtling towards the sun at the rate of one million miles a day, and has recently become visible to the naked eye.
It is predicted that by early next year it will be the brightest object in the night sky after the moon. Giant telescopes will be available at tonight's "comet watch". All are welcome.