Things are looking up for star gazers as the Canterbury Astronomical Society reopens the RF Joyce Observatory to its members at midnight tonight.

The observatory on Bells Road, Mcleans Island, West Melton has been closed since lock down, meaning keen astronomers have had to turn their eyes to the sky from their own home.

As of tonight star gazers will be able to use the fixed telescopes with the chance to see images of planets, deep space and other astronomical wonders.

CAS Vice President Simon Lewis says he expects some members will be up at the observatory on the stroke of midnight to make use of the clear night.

“With a high pressure weather system bringing incredibly clear skies, it’s prime time for the observatory to re-open.”

Public open nights will start up again on Friday.

The Canterbury Astronomical Society will be running its public open nights throughout Kidsfest and this year, with Mars, Saturn and Jupiter visible during the evenings of July.

The Canterbury Astronomical Society will have its regular fixed telescopes running plus a host of telescopes on the terraces.

For more information go to the Canterbury Astronomical Society