Rare comet not seen for next 80,000 years pictured

Comet A3 - also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS - has been visible over the past few days, although its brightness decreased later in the week.

The rare comet was only discovered last year by an observatory in South Africa, and this week was the last chance for you to see it, as it won't make an appearance for the next 80,000 years.

Anne Senechal captured the comet over Hitchin. (Image: Anne Senechal) More of Anne's pictures of the comet. (Image: Anne Senechal)

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

Unlike asteroids, which are entirely made of rock, comets are composed of ice, rock, and gas.

As they approach the sun, the warmth causes their ice to change into gases and release dust particles trapped in the ice, which is what causes their spectacular tail.

A3 won't be seen for the next 80,000 years. (Image: Tracy Christina Helen Kane) Carolyn Rutherford snapped this photo of the comet. (Image: Carolyn Rutherford)

A3 has been described as the comet of the century. (Image: Charlotte Murphy) Andy Males got this picture. (Image: Andy Males)