There are direct links to how observing nature is great for our health; astronomy is one of those. Looking at distant objects reduces eye strain and contemplating the origin of the object is relaxing.
Start this week’s by viewing the 2nd planet from the Sun at 7pm sitting 20 degrees above the western horizon, Venus; formed about 4.5 billion years ago and the hottest planet in our Solar System.
Now flick your view to 30 degrees above the East to find the 6th planet from the Sun, Saturn; it hosts the second fastest winds in the Solar System up to at 400m/s. See, relaxed eyes and you haven’t thought about work.
Few things are free nowadays, but luckily the night sky is. Get the family together on Sunday at 8:43pm to usher in the beginning of Astronomical Spring (equinox) and the tipping point for our days getting longer.
For insomniacs, head outside around 1.30am with tripod mounted binoculars and watch the 5th player from the Sun rise in the NE to ENE, Jupiter; give it two more hours and its 4 brightest moons dancing around the planet is mesmerising.
By 3am hunt out the rusty red hues of our closest neighbor planet, Mars sitting 10 degrees above the NE to ENE. By 4.30am, Saturn sits 10 degrees above the West, Jupiter 35 degrees above the N to NNE and Mars 25 degrees above the NNE to NE.
Dr Craig Bowers MP8138.
Astronomy West 
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