If the nocturnal travel trend sounds intriguing, October is a great time to try it. The month brims with bright, naked-eye visible space sights, including two meteor showers and planet-moon pairings—not to mention the roughly 11-year peak of the northern lights. This is also the last months to see the Milky Way core in the northern hemisphere. It’s visible near the horizon as soon as twilight descends for much of the month. Here’s everything to watch for in October’s night sky; don’t miss this guide on how to stargaze before you go.
Oct. 5: Moon meets Saturn and Neptune
After sunset on Oct. 5, the bright waxing gibbous moon and Saturn will tango above the eastern horizon. The two will travel together through the sky all night. Neptune, which is visible only by telescope, will transit alongside the duo as well, according to stargazing app SkySafari.
Oct. 6: Full harvest supermoon
After months of waiting, we’ll have the first full supermoon of the year come Oct. 6. During the spectacle, the full moon will appear larger and brighter than usual. It’s most visually impressive around moonrise and moonset, which coincides with sunrise and sunset during the full moon phase. Watch for the bright orb in the eastern sky; like the previous night, Saturn will still hover near the space rock, too.
Oct. 8: Draconid meteor shower peaks
Unlike most meteor showers, the Draconids are most visible in the early hours of twilight. It will peak soon after night descends on Oct. 8. Unfortunately, the bright waning gibbous moon will block all but the brightest meteors. To avoid it, try using your hand to shield the moon’s light while you’re watching. The shower can produce around 10 meteors per hour during its peak, according to EarthSky.org.
Oct. 10: The moon crosses the Pleiades
Watch as the Seven Sisters, better known as the Pleiades star cluster, appear to meet the moon after dusk on Oct. 10. The moon will cross over the cluster as it travels through the sky. The action spans the full night, with the moon covering the stars in the early night hours, then traveling far enough to reveal the cluster of over 1,000 stars (with around six that are naked-eye visible) in the pre-dawn hours.
Oct. 16: Crescent moon with Jupiter and Venus
October’s moon-planet hangouts continue with an alignment of Venus, the crescent moon, and Jupiter visible in the wee hours of Oct. 16. Look for the trio above the eastern horizon just before sunrise. You can also admire the moon nearing Jupiter the nights of Oct. 13 and 14.
Oct. 20-21: Orionid meteor shower peaks
The Orionid meteor shower, beloved for its shooting stars with vivid tails, will peak from roughly Oct. 20 into 21. You can see up to 10 to 20 bright meteors under dark skies—think: from a dark-sky park or stargazing hotel. The meteors originate from Halley’s comet, and this year’s peak will be extra dazzling, as it coincides with a new moon. It’s visible in the northern and southern hemispheres, according to Space.com.
