All around the globe cities, organisations and individuals were turning off lights as part of a global light pollution awareness campaign.

Approximately 100 people came along to the event organised in the Phoenix Park Dublin by Astronomy Ireland.

There were clear patches just before the watch began at 8pm but then it clouded over  and we even had a few spots of rain.

Towards the end of the hour a few clear patches developed and we got to see Saturn and Mars in the telescopes. Saturn in particular was an incredible sight with its rings and moons. We'll be back in the park for our National Saturn Watch on April 15.

We had 4 very powerful telescopes there, large binoculars and a powerful laser pointer to wow the crowds.

Eamonn o'Fearchain brought along his laptop to do presentations.

Lots of people bought magazines and tickets to the Hubble Space Telescope lecture on Monday March 31. 

As for the sky brightness? Some of us thought it did look dimmer over the city though the clouds were still orange. Next year we hope to convince the corporation to turn off the streetlights as well.

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