Stargazers are being encouraged to look out for a comet whizzing through the night skies over South East Cornwall.

Comet Wirtanen will make its closest approach to Earth for 400 years on December 15.

Astronomers at Siblyback Lake will be helping people make the most of the chance to see the phenomenon.

Bodmin Moor was designated a Dark Skies landscape in 2017. This means it’s officially recognised as one of the best places in the world to observe the night skies.

On December 15, Caradon Observatory will have a range of telescopes set up at Siblyback – and if conditions are clear, there is a strong possibility that the comet will be visible with the naked eye.

The event starting at 7pm will be free to attend.

‘A first quarter Moon will be south at the start of the evening, with Mars and Neptune to the west,’ said a South West Lakes Trust spokesperson.

‘Orion and the Pleiades will be visible in the east. Come along and see the magnificent skies that Siblyback and Bodmin Moor have to offer; the highlight will be the chance to see the closest approach of Comet 46P/Wirtanen.’

In the event of rain or cloud, the event will be postponed; updates will be posted on the Caradon Observatory and Siblyback Facebook pages on the days running up to December 15.