TWO SPECTACULAR CELESTIAL events will take place over the next two nights, when the Moon will be placed next to Mars on Tuesday and next to Saturn on Wednesday in the sky above Ireland just after sunset.

Astronomy Ireland says that the Moon, Mars, and Saturn can all be observed using the naked eye, and has urged everyone to go outside on both evenings and use the Moon as a ‘signpost’ to spot the planets for themselves.

Those who wish to see the ice caps on Mars and the famous rings and moons around Saturn are advised to bring along a telescope.

“This week is great for astronomy with two conjunctions between the Moon and planets,” said David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine. “I’ll be out viewing them myself and I hope everyone else will too! Of course, if you have a telescope, you’ll even get an extra close look at these two stunning planets.”

For more information on the Moon, Mars, and Saturn, as well as a map of the sky to show you how it will look, visit Astronomy.ie.