Weekend of events for star gazers

HUNDREDS of star gazing activities are taking place across the country this weekend, starting from Friday night.

More than 3,500 people are expected to take part in 443 free events at this year’s Les Nuits des Etoiles from August 7 - 9.

The event, which is organised by the Association Française d’Astronomie,is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has the theme Climate and Atmospheres of the Planets.

It marks 20 years since the discovery of the first exoplanet (a planet that orbits a star other than our own) by the Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz.

“There is no back-up Earth, and other planets lie outside of our grasp,” said a spokesman for the AFA.

It is an opportunity for the public to learn about the universe and meet people with an interest in astronomy. The events are free and include special openings of observatories.

Local events near you.

Budding astronomers can get the chance to view the rings of Saturn, the Andromeda Galaxy and catch the first shooting stars of the season.

Photo: AFA