Stargazers and skywatchers in County Durham will be given the chance to see a “once-in-a-lifetime” comet over the next few days.

Comet Nishimura was discovered only in August but will be closest to Earth early next week, according to astronomers.

However, many may have already seen the object, which is travelling through space at 240,000 miles per hour, according to Professor Brad Gibson, director of the E A Milne Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Hull.

When is the best time to see Comet Nishimura in County Durham?

Prof Gibson said Nishimura can currently be seen in the hour after sunset and the hour before dawn by looking east-north-east, towards the crescent moon and Venus.

But the spectacular creation will be closest to Earth just before dawn on Tuesday, September 12.

He explained: “The comet takes 500 years to orbit the solar system, Earth takes one year, and the outer planets can take many decades.

“Halley’s Comet, which caused much interest during its last nearby visit to Earth in 1986, takes 76 years to orbit the solar system.

“So, to say this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Nishimura isn’t an exaggeration.”

He added: “It can already be seen but it will be 78 million miles from Earth on September 12 and that should be the best chance to see it with the naked eye.

“On average, people have the chance to see such a naked eye comet once a decade – this is a rare and exciting opportunity.”

Prof Gibson said Nishimura will pass closest to the sun on September 17, when it will be just 27 million miles away.

He said there is a real chance it may not survive this close fly-by.

Where to see Comet Nishimura in County Durham on Tuesday at dawn

There are many places to experience the once-in-a-lifetime comet above County Durham, according to Go Stargazing.

Here is a map showing 13 of the best places to see Nishimura in the sky:

The North East is also home to some of the most active astronomy groups that often organise stargazing events.

North East England features three national parks including Northumberland, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors which have all been awarded dark sky status by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Visit the Go Stargazing website to see the full list of places to watch Comet Nishimura fly over County Durham.