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Over the next few days, people in the Czech Republic can observe a unique dwarf comet in the sky with the aid of just the smallest binoculars. The comet was named after Czechoslovak astronomers and it was last visible on the sky back in 2011. Although it turns around the Sun every five years and three months, this is the last time in the 21st century when it is so easily visible.

An outline plan just agreed by the Christian Democrats and the Mayors and Independents group to form an alliance ahead of parliamentary elections this autumn could represent a significant shift in Czech politics. The Christian Democrats had seemed a diminished force but re-entered the lower house and joined a coalition government in 2013, while the Mayors were previously allied to the right-wing TOP 09. What will it mean if the two groupings do hammer out a final agreement and contest the elections together? That’s a question I put to political

Events marking the life and work of the outstanding Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal are taking place around the country on the 20th anniversary of his death. The widely-respected Czech author, whose books have been translated into 28 languages, is being recalled in exhibitions, discussions, film and TV screenings.

A political storm erupted after the conclusions of a parliamentary investigation into the far-reaching overhaul of the Czech police was announced. Deputy prime minister and ANO leader Andrej Babiš was at the centre of the storm after denouncing the commission as “a joke” after it said it found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Andrej Babiš has pledged to have his tax records audited after questions were raised over how he financed a major deal. The ANO chief says other politicians should also undergo such a probe – a call that has been backed by the president. But do audits give a complete picture of an individual’s finances in any case?

The Czech Republic is becoming increasingly popular with university students from the United States, according to the latest report by the Institute of International Education, a US organisation monitoring international student exchange. While back in the 1990s the post-communist country was a largely unexplored destination, attractive mainly for its night life and cheap prices, today’s students seem to be coming here with very specific academic goals.

The city of Prague has stepped up the search for a suitable space to house the famous Slav Epic, a cycle of 20 large paintings by Alfons Mucha. After years of inactivity, various Prague districts are putting forward suggestions of where the famous cycle would be displayed to the best advantage. Among the most flamboyant ideas is a plan for a golden oval- shaped gallery which would stand on the riverbank.

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been the victim of a major security breach, with hackers infiltrating dozens of email accounts, including that of Minister Lubomír Zaorálek. Mr. Zaorálek says experts told him the “sophisticated” cyberattack was likely carried out by a state and resembled hacking of the Democrats in the US. Washington formally blamed Russia for that breach. To discuss the hacking of the Czech Foreign Ministry email, I spoke to Andor Šándor, a security expert who previously headed the country’s Military Intelligence.

Internet firms have appealed to the country’s prime minister, Bohuslav Sobotka, to halt plans for a new military intelligence bill which would give Military Intelligence more powers to police the internet. The government is seeking to bolster cyber security in the Czech Republic but critics worry the bill would give too much power to a single entity.

The world renowned opera singer Placido Domingo is to conduct two performances of Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre in Prague in October to mark 230 years since Mozart himself conducted the premiere of this famous opera in the very same opera house. Domingo visited Prague this week to launch preparations for the cultural event of the year.