Watches planned for celestial sights

People at the Phoenix Park viewing Mars through telescopes in 2003. Mars will be at its most prominent in the skies tonight for the next two years. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times

RONAN MCGREEVY

Astronomy Ireland is to hold a Mars and Saturn watch tonight.

The event was rescheduled from last month when rain and cloudy skies led it to be called off in most places.

Mars is at its most prominent in the skies at the moment and will not be as easily seen for two years.

It will be visible beside the Moon in the constellation of Cancer. Also clearly visible will be Saturn which is also at its best for the year.

The watches take place from 9pm at the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park, JFK park in Cork, Letterkenny IT car park, Tralee IT in Kerry, St Michael’s School in Kilmihal, Jetland in Limerick, Parkes Castle in Sligo and People’s Park in Waterford.

The forecast is for clear skies in most places, making it an ideal night for observing.

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