Stargazers will be out tonight as they set their sights on the planets.

The Scarborough and District Astronomical Society is holding its first public observing night of the year, with the promise of Jupiter and Saturn almost as close to Earth as they can get.

The giant planets, along with their moons, should be on display - weather permitting.

And a stellar nursery in the Sword of Orion the Hunter will come under the telescope as the stargazers turn their attentions to the famous M42 Emission Nebula.

The evening is free of charge and open to everyone from 7pm to 10pm at the astronomy centre, Low Dalby.

Updated: 12:00 Friday, January 03, 2003