Saturn will be visible in the night sky this weekend, while the planet Venus is set to make an appearance on Friday around noon.
Astronomy Ireland is setting up giant telescopes in anticipation of “an extremely rare view” of Saturn, which only occurs every 15 years. The ringed planet will be visible to the naked eye as a bright dot in the south.
“This year, the rings are almost edge-on, a sight that only happens on average every 15 years,” said astronomer David Moore. “Anyone seeing it in a big telescope will get an extremely rare view.
“Without a doubt, Saturn is the most incredible object we ever show the general public in our giant telescopes. They transform a bright dot in the sky with the naked eye to a huge globe with cloud belts and rings.
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“We can see up to six of its moons which are far too faint to see with the naked eye, but the powerful telescopes can pick them up easily."
Star-gazing enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see Saturn through one of Astronomy Ireland’s specialist telescopes at a viewing event taking place at the GAA Grounds in Roundwood, Co Wicklow, on Saturday from 4pm.
BBC presenter Dr George Dransfield and DCU’s Prof Oisin Creaner will speak at the event. Dr Simon Steel, of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute, will also speak at the event.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Venus, it can be seen between 12.40pm and 12.45pm as well as 2pm and 2.05pm on Friday afternoon.
As if Saturn coming closest to Earth this weekend was not enough, the smaller but even brighter planet Venus passes behind the moon on Friday just after noon.
“You can see this in broad daylight even with just your eyes,” said Mr Moore. “The trick is to stand in the shadow of a building so the sun is covered and not shining directly into your eyes. Then look about twice your handspan at arm’s length to the right of the sun.
“You should then be able to see the moon with just your eyes. On the left edge of the moon you should be able to see Venus and around 12:40pm to 12:45pm.”
He added that depending on where you are in Ireland, Venus will fade over the course of 30 seconds as the edge of the moon slowly covers it. At 2pm, there will be another chance to see the planet, as Venus reappears at the right-hand edge of the moon.
“If you have binoculars or a small telescope take a close-up look for an incredibly rare sight you may never see again in your lifetime,” he added.
