With the nights fair drawing in, there is plenty of opportunity for some stargazing over the coming weeks.

Look out for the following planets ... Venus rises around 5am at the start of October, 6am by month end and will be low in the east at sunrise. Mars also rises around 5am at the beginning of the month, 4am by the end of October and will also be visible in the east at sunrise.

From the start of October through to around the 21st both planets will be close together in the pre-dawn sky.

Saturn will be low in the south-west at sunset, setting by 7pm by month end.

The moon will be Third-Quarter on 12th, New on 19th and First Quarter on 28th.

The first Clyde Muirshiel viewing night takes place on Monday 23rd October from 7pm to 9pm. Please note the venue has changed as is now being held at Castle Semple visitor centre in Lochwinnoch- although the sky may not be as dark the site is certainly more accessible and should offer a good location for stargazing if the weather conditions are favourable. The event is free but please contact Castle Semple on 01505 842 882 to book a place as they are limited. More information at http://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/event/stargazing-evening-23-10-17/