ALTHOUGH Saturn and Mars have moved apart now after their close encounter of the planetary kind last weekend, they are still worth a look, writes STUART ATKINSON. Both planets look like bright stars in the south before sunrise, easily visible to the naked eye, and look even prettier in binoculars. A pair of binoculars will really bring out the planets' colours - the subtle yellow-gold hue of Saturn, and the orange colour of Mars.

If the sky is clear on the morning of Saturday, April 7, early risers will be able to enjoy the sight of the Moon shining close to Saturn and Mars before sunrise. The Moon will almost be at its Last Quarter phase - a half Moon with the left side illuminated - and will be shining to the upper right of Saturn. With Mars shining to the lower left of Saturn, the three worlds will form a very striking sight in the sky indeed. On the following morning the Moon will have moved further along to the east and will be shining to the left of Mars, so the Moon and planets will form a very pretty triangle in the sky.

If that's too early for you, you can now see Venus blazing brightly in the western sky after sunset. The 'evening star' is now visible for several hours after sunset and is so bright in the darkening sky that it is impossible to miss. If you can, find somewhere really dark to see Venus at its very best.