How to see the 'Christmas comet': Stunning photos show green space rock ahead of its closest approach, as astronomers reveal it will be visible all around the world

The brightest comet of the year is set to make its closest flyby of Earth this weekend.

Comet 46P/Wirtanen, the so-called ‘Christmas comet’ known to cast a striking green glow in the night sky, follows a 5.4-year orbit that will bring it to its closest point to Earth on Sunday, December 16, the Daily Mail reports.

Already, astrophotographers have begun to share incredible views of the icy space rock as it approaches.

It’ll best be seen with a telescope or binoculars, but NASA says some lucky viewers may even be able to see it with the naked eye.

Comet 46P/Wirtanen, the so-called “Christmas comet” known to cast a striking green glow in the night sky, follows a 5.4-year orbit that will bring it to its closest point to Earth on Sunday, December 16.

Already, astrophotographers have begun to share incredible views of the icy space rock as it approaches.

It’ll best be seen with a telescope or binoculars, but NASA says some lucky viewers may even be able to see it with the naked eye.

The image, shared as part of NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, shows comet 46P/Wirtanen when it was still too far away to be seen with the naked eye.

“From dark sky sites it could just become naked-eye visible though, as its 5.4 year-long looping orbit takes it closest to Earth and the sun in mid December,” NASA explained of the photo, captured by Alex Cherney (Terrastro, TWAN).