A DAZZLING conjunction of Jupiter and Venus could lead to a flurry of UFO sightings early on Monday.

The two brightest planets in the sky will form a spectacular "double star" hanging low on the north-eastern horizon.

They can be seen at around 5am, appearing only 0.2 degrees apart - less than half the width of a little finger held out at arm's length.

It will be their closest conjunction since 2000.

Robin Scagell, vice-president of the Society for Popular Astronomy, said: "Undoubtedly people could mistake them for a UFO."