An icy comet is all set to zoom past earth on January 17. Comet Catalina, also known as C/2013 US10, will be visible in the dark sky with a pair of binoculars. Astronomers call it a one time opportunity as will speed past our planet on its long journey into deep space.

Astronomers said the comet could be seen lighting the northern hemisphere’s dark sky with a double tail and greenish glow. They recommend skywatchers not to miss the opportunity as the comet could embark on a journey of billions of years after zooming past our home planet.

The icy comet discovered in October, 2013 has been named after NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Last month, it rounded the sun and now will approach our home planet on January 17. The astronomers said the comet will pose no threat to earthlings as it is estimated to pass the planet at a distance of about 67 million miles.

Catalina’s origin is linked to the Oort cloud. Scientists believe the blue comet came from the extended shell of tiny, asteroids, icy comets that surround the solar system. They said that people who want to see the comet should head to the countryside, or a place with low light pollution with a pair of binoculars.

Astronomer Phil Plait said, “If you want to see this comet, you’d better take the chance over the next month or so”. There are reports that Catalina will be visible in the night sky across the United Kingdom and the Northern Hemisphere for several weeks starting 1 January.