Budding astronomers will be in for a treat tonight as Astronomy Ireland is organising one of the country's largest ever stargazing events in Co Wicklow.
Clear skies are expected for the celestial spectacle and those attending are hoping for views of the planets Mars and Jupiter, countless galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Food will also be provided for avid space-watchers.
There will be €250,000 worth of manned telescopes on hand and hundreds of people have already booked tickets.
An Astronomy Ireland spokesman said: "Mars is expected to be a favourite target as the red planet comes closer to the Earth this year than it will any time before the year 2015. "Mars is also the topic of a talk by our keynote speaker, BBC and RTE broadcaster Leo Enright.
"Leo's talk will be called Mars 3D and will feature high-resolution images from the surface of the red planet, which you can view in 3D with special 3D glasses supplied free at the event," he said.
The event, which begins at 8pm, is being held at the GAA club in Roundwood. More information can be found at www.astronomy.ie/sbq