THINGS may be looking up for skywatchers in Thurrock this evening - and for the rest of the week.

Clear skies because of the clement weather and improved visibility because of a reduction in pollution the stars and planets have been clearly visible in recent days.

And, for the next few days there is an added attraction as the Starlink satellites launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX firm appear in a line crossing the night sky.

They were launched in March and their current orbital position has made them easier to see in recent days from the UK.

In the UK, Starlink satellites will begin to show up in the night sky around 9.55pm this evening.

They will appear as "trains" of bright spots that travel from east to west quite quickly.

The satellites are so bright that you won't need binoculars or a telescope to see them. Amateur stargazers can expect to see them glide across the sky for around 20 minutes.

The entrepreneurial Elon Musk has become something of a cult figure, particularly among young people.

One of those who closely follows his ventures into space is USP College student Jack Speight, who is studying with the aim of being an astro-physicist.

He says: "I think it's good to see technology develop and it's great to be able to see these satellites. They won't be visible forever they will be moved into a different orbit where they become almost invisible to the naked eye.

"For younger people it is inspiring and shows how the human race has progressed and shows how we are becoming more advanced.

"Some traditional students of astronomy don't like it that these satellites are so bright and attracting attention but I don't see anything bad about it.

"During the lockdown there's a good opportunity for people to get out and do some star gazing. There's little to see in our area normally due to pollution and light pollution but things are very clear at the moment."

If Starlink has heightened your curiosity about space, Thurrock boasts its own Astronomy Society which meets on the first Wednesday each month, from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Methodist Hall, High Road, Horndon on the Hill. Observing nights are held at Coalhouse Fort Car Park.

You can find out more about the society here.