Eagle-eyed stargazers from across Cumbria have manged to catch a glimpse of a comet which was last visible in the sky more than 80,000 years ago.

The A3 comet, also known as Tsuchinshan-Atlas, was first visible from the UK on Saturday evening and has been pictured across Cumbria over the past week.

It has been called “the comet of the century” because of how bright and visible it is, according to the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).

The comet will not be visible for the next 80,000 yearsThe comet will not be visible for the next 80,000 years (Image: Alan Graham) The comet was only discovered in January last year, but astronomers said it would last have been visible from our planet around 80,000 years ago when Neanderthals were alive.

Between October 12 and 30, people may be able to see the comet using binoculars or even with the naked eye.

Dr Greg Brown, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich, said the comet “is visible in the early evening skies from the UK”.

Comet A3 photographed last night at Penruddock using the dwarf 2 telescopeComet A3 photographed last night at Penruddock using the dwarf 2 telescope (Image: Alan Reid) Dr Brown told the PA news agency: “Low on the horizon at sunset, it is best to wait a while for the sky to darken a bit before trying to see it.

“Look to the west, just to the left of where the sunset was and, if you are lucky, it should be just about visible to the unaided eye.

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“However, as it is rapidly fading as the days go on, a pair of binoculars or a small telescope will certainly help if you are struggling to find it.

“It is visible across the country, though a low western horizon is a must, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt to be out in the countryside where light pollution is less of a problem.”