Did you know that October is a month, for astronomy enthusiasts? As the seasons transition and the equinox occurs we are treated to a captivating display of phenomena such as the mesmerizing beauty of meteor showers. This year October holds promise for stargazers offering an opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the night sky.
A Plethora of Meteor Showers; The Spectacular Celestial Show in October
like in years October brings us meteor season with seven meteor showers reaching their peak activity throughout the month. However that's not all! This month also presents chances to observe asteroids, dwarf planets and other celestial bodies within our system. Make sure to mark your calendars for October 21st—the pinnacle of the Orionids meteor shower—which is anticipated to be the highlight of this month.
Discover 11 Must See Events in the Sky, during October
Are you prepared to delve into the captivating marvels that fill our skies during October nights? Join us as we embark on an exploration of eleven astronomical events and observing opportunities that this month has in store.
October 2 – Andromeda Galaxy: A Galactic Delight
Have you ever dreamed of spotting distant galaxies? October presents the perfect opportunity! On the night of October 2nd, a series of galactic viewing opportunities begins. Despite some interference from a bright waning gibbous moon, you can still catch a glimpse of our neighboring spiral galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy, as it reaches its highest point in the sky around midnight local time.
October 5 – The SMC: A Dwarf Galaxy Adventure
For those lucky enough to live at a latitude where the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) is visible, there's an exciting chance to observe this dwarf galaxy situated near our own Milky Way. On the night of October 5th, the SMC will reach its highest point in the sky, accompanied by its sibling, the Large Magellanic Cloud. Don't miss this opportunity to witness these captivating celestial wonders.
October 5 – Witness the Camelopardalid Meteor Shower
As promised, the October night sky is brimming with meteor showers, and the first week of the month exemplifies this phenomenon. Among the lesser-known constellations, Camelopardalis stands out. Representing a giraffe and nestled between Ursa Major and Cassiopeia, Camelopardalis offers a unique meteor shower experience: the Camelopardalids. This shower will reach its peak on the night of October 5th, though it typically exhibits a modest maximum Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) of only 5 meteors per hour.
October 9 – Peak of the Draconid Meteor Shower
Radiating from the constellation Draco, this northern hemisphere constellation will be spotted near the bright star of Vega. In 2023, the meteor shower is expected to peak around midnight on October 9th (so overnight from the 8th to 9th); this is prime stargazing time, despite the Full Moon that night.
The Draconids meteor shower isn’t as active as other meteor showers, with a variable ZHR each year* – especially compared with the Orionids later in the month.
*The Draconids are exceptionally unreliable when it comes to predicting meteor activity. Most years it is a minor shower; in some years it exceeds the super-active Perseids and Geminids – and in 2011, astronomers reported over 600 meteors per hour during the peak!
October 10 – Peak of the Southern Taurid Meteor Shower
Despite their name, the Southern Taurid meteor shower is actually visible in the northern hemisphere. Instead, the Southern Taurids are so named due to a split in the Taurids meteor shower caused by gravitational perturbations – especially from Jupiter – that have resulted in two different branches of the meteor shower.
All that said, the best night to see the Southern Taurids will be on October 10th this year (the Northern Taurids will peak on November 11th). On this night you can expect to see a maximum of 5 meteors per hour.
There’s been some debate over when the Southern Taurids will peak this year – some sources say either October 10th or November 6th. Astronomers aren’t quite sure about when this long, relatively wide band of debris really “peaks” which is what fuels the debate, but all of those dates sound like great nights to get out and go stargazing!
October 11 – Peak of the δ-Aurigid Meteor Shower
Going for BINGO on the meteor showers this month? Here’s another chance to see more: the δ-Aurigid meteor shower will peak on the night of October 11th. We’ll be honest though: Delta Aurigids aren’t the most stimulating, with a maximum ZHR of 2 per hour. Just keep an eye out for them if you happen to be out stargazing this night anyway.
October 14 – Annular Solar Eclipse
Have you made your plans for the annular solar eclipse that’s happening on the morning of October 14th?
In any case, you should definitely check out my guide to seeing this iconic “ring of fire” eclipse this autumn; it will pass across several states and large cities in the United States and promises a great view from a number of national parks and other wild places in the American West. If you live further south, areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America will also see the spectacle.
Seriously though, my guide will help you plan your trip to see this solar eclipse, even if you’re a bit late to join the fun!
October 15 – Triangulum Galaxy is Well Placed
Here’s one more galaxy-spotting opportunity for you: on October 15th, the spiral Triangulum Galaxy will reach its highest point in the night sky too. This galaxy looks quite different from even the similarly shaped (spiral) Andromeda Galaxy – it’s well worth trying to see both if you’ve never seen these neighboring galaxies. You will need a telescope or binoculars to spot it, but the new moon phase on this night makes it a great night for stargazing even if you don’t have equipment.
October 18 – Eris at Opposition
Love dwarf planets? Here’s a chance to spot one this month: massive, distant Eris will reach opposition on the night of October 18th. This night, it will appear bright in the night sky, but you’ll need a telescope to spot it.
October 18 – Peak of the ε-Geminid Meteor Shower
Another night, another chance to see meteors! On the night of October 18th, the ε-Geminid meteor shower will peak at a maximum ZHR of 3 per hour. This year, the ε-Geminids are going to be high in the northern sky and only visible to those above 60°N on the globe.
October 21 – Peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower
The greatest night sky event in October is undoubtedly the Orionids meteor shower, which is expected to peak on October 21st this year. While the meteor shower occurs from October 16th to 30th, there may be up to 21 meteors per hour during the shower’s peak (likely in the early morning hours of the 21st).
The Orionids are easy to spot since they originate from a point near the highly-recognizable constellation Orion. Look for Orion in the eastern sky if you’re trying to see this meteor shower.
In 2023, the constellation Orion should be visible throughout the night from about 10:42pm (EDT) onward until sunrise; anytime in that window will be good for trying to spot Orionid meteors.
October 24 – Peak of the Leonis Minorid Meteor Shower
Not over trying to spot meteors yet? Here’s your last chance in October! If you’re already awake trying to spot Mercury on the morning of October 24th, keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars too. During the pre-dawn hours, the Leonis Minorid meteor shower will peak.
The Leonis Minorids aren’t particularly active, and the maximum ZHR is roughly 2 per hour. This lesser meteor shower appears to radiate from the constellation Leo with bright Regulus to help you find the area of the sky.
October 28 – Partial Lunar Eclipse
After the annular solar eclipse on October 14th, one would naturally expect a lunar eclipse to follow – and one would be right! On the night of October 28th, there will be a partial lunar eclipse visible from Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as part of Australia.
Admittedly, partial lunar eclipses aren’t as thrilling as their “blood moon” counterparts (total lunar eclipses); only part of the Moon will be obscured by the Earth’s umbra, so only part will turn red. Nevertheless, if you live in the region where this lunar eclipse will be visible and the skies are clear, head out in the evening, night, or early morning hours to spot the Moon in an unusual hue.
Other Events in the October Sky
As October is a very rich month – astronomically speaking – We selected some of the other night sky events and decided to just mention them briefly here. As you can see, almost every night in October is a great night for stargazing!
- October 1 – Close Approach of the Moon & Jupiter – The two will appear 3°08′ apart on this night.
- October 10 – Close Approach of the Moon & Venus – The two will appear 5°54′ apart at their closest (during daylight hours), so look at the pre-dawn sky to see them.
- October 20 – Venus at its Morning Peak – Bright Venus will reach 42° above the eastern horizon on this morning.
- October 24 – Close Approach of the Moon & Saturn – The two will appear 2°32′ apart in the pre-dawn hours of this day.
- October 29 – Close Approach of the Moon & Jupiter – These two appear close together again, just 2°53′ apart in the early morning hours.
- Have questions about any of these October night sky astronomical events? Let us know in the comments.
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