Star gazers will be in for a treat tonight with Uranus visible most of the night.

The planet, which is 1.77 billion miles (2.85 billion kilometers) from Earth and 1.86 billion miles (3 billion km) from the sun, is usually obscured by the moon, but the moon has now moved out of the way, meaning it will be visible.

What is better is that you won't need a telescope or any other high-tec kit as it should be visible with the naked eye - although you will obviously be able to see it better if you do use any.

However, knowing where to look can be a bit difficult. The key is to find the V shape of Pisces and you should be able to find the slightly brighter Uranus.

Gazette:

Have a look at a star map, or download an app for your phone, to help you find it.

The sky will need to be dark, so head away from the bright lights of cities and towns for your best chance to see it.

Some facts about Uranus:

  • It is thought to have a rocky core, surrounded by a liquid mantle of water, methane, and ammonia, encased in an atmosphere of hydrogen and helium.
  • The British astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered Uranus on March 13, 1781, although it had been sighted before this
  • The planet has an extreme level of rotation, meaning its north and south poles are almost horizontal.
  • It was almost called "The Star of George"