IF YOU have a) a low south-western horizon and b) very good eyesight, you might just be able to spot the planet Venus at the moment. It can be found shining very low in the sky for a short time after sunset, but it will be hidden by any trees and buildings in that direction. However, it is getting a little higher and a little brighter every evening, and next month will blaze brightly in the twilight.

This coming weekend the Moon will help you locate another planet in the sky - Mars. Look to the south on Saturday evening and you'll see the crescent Moon shining to the left of the Red Planet. On the following evening, the Moon will have moved a little eastwards, to shine to the upper left of Mars, making a striking pair in the darkening dusk.

Planet-collecting early-risers will also be treated to the sight of the planet Jupiter shining low in the east from around 4am. before the Sun rises, Jupiter will look like a very bright blue-white star. You can only see its bloated disc and famous Great Red Spot through a telescope, but your binoculars will show you up to four of its family of more than 60 moons, looking like tiny salt grain stars next to the bright planet.

Stuart Atkinson

Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal