IF THE weather is kind, early risers and insomniacs will be able to enjoy seeing a trio of planets in the sky before sunrise over the coming week, writes STUART ATKINSON. You'll need a low and clear southern horizon to see them; they will be so low in the sky that any trees, buildings or hills in that direction will hide them from view.

Go out at around 5am and look roughly towards the south and you'll see Jupiter shining low in the sky, looking like a bright blue-white star. It is by far the brightest and highest of the planetary trio, so the easiest to see. Once you've found Jupiter, scan across to the left so you're looking more towards the south east, and very low down in that direction you'll see what looks like a pair of bright stars shining close together - these are actually Saturn and Mars. Saturn will be on the left, yellow-white in hue, and very close by on its right will be Mars, which will be shining with more of an orange colour. It will be very slightly brighter than Saturn, too.

If you prefer to do your sky watching after sunset, go along to Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre at 7pm on Saturday, March 24, where the Eddington Astronomical Society will be holding a MoonWatch. There'll be lots of telescopes set up in the garden to show people stunning views of the Moon. The event is free and suitable for all ages.