Stargazers have the rare opportunity to see a newly discovered comet this week.

The comet, discovered by Japanese astronomer Masayuki Iwamoto last year, will stripe the night sky - reaching its closest point to the earth tonight as it traverses the constellations of Leo, Cancer and Gemini.

To see the spectacle, a pair of binoculars, or a small telescope is needed.

“Comet Iwamoto visits from beyond the Kuiper Belt and has an estimated orbital period of 1,371 years, meaning it won’t be seen again until 3390,” said astronomer Jonathan Powell.

"Travelling at just under 148,000 miles hour, Comet Iwamoto is set for its closest approach to Earth at 28 million miles.

"The best night for seeing the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle are said to be tonight.

"The comet may well display a green tinge in optical aids, as it passes from Virgo into Leo in the pre-dawn sky."