Summary Points
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October 6 Supermoon: Witness a supermoon on October 6, appearing 30% brighter and 14% larger as it coincides with its closest approach to Earth.
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Draconid Meteor Shower: From October 6-10, catch the Draconid meteor shower, peaking on October 8, with about 10 meteors per hour, although visibility may be affected by the bright supermoon.
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Orionid Meteor Shower: The Orionid meteor shower peaks on October 21, featuring up to 20 meteors per hour, with optimal viewing from midnight to 2 AM under a moonless sky.
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Global Events: Celebrate “International Observe the Moon Night” on October 4 by joining moon-viewing activities worldwide, enhancing your October sky experience.
October Skywatching Tips from NASA
This October, stargazers have much to look forward to. A supermoon, two meteor showers, and a chance to connect with nature await.
Supermoon on October 6
On the evening of October 6, the moon appears bigger and brighter. This phenomenon, known as a supermoon, occurs when a full moon coincides with perigee. Perigee is when the moon is at its closest point to Earth. Expect it to be 30% brighter and up to 14% larger than a typical full moon. This unique sight is perfect for moon enthusiasts.
To enhance your viewing experience, consider hosting or attending an event for International Observe the Moon Night on October 4. Observers worldwide will celebrate our celestial neighbor.
Draconid Meteor Shower, October 6-10
If you look closely between October 6 and 10, you may catch the Draconid meteor shower. This shower, with peak activity around October 8, comes from debris left by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner. Although it can produce up to 10 meteors per hour, the bright supermoon could make some meteors harder to spot.
Orionid Meteor Shower, Peaks October 21
A few weeks later, the Orionid meteor shower takes center stage, peaking on October 21. During this event, you could see about 20 meteors per hour as Earth passes through debris from Halley’s Comet. This shower runs from September 26 to November 22, but the best viewing occurs before midnight on the 21st.
A new moon on the same night means a dark sky. This lack of moonlight increases your chances of seeing shooting stars. Look toward the southeast in the northern hemisphere or the northeast in the southern hemisphere. Orionid meteors can appear all over the night sky, so keep your eyes open!
Enjoy the Night Sky
October brings unique opportunities to engage with the cosmos. Stargazing not only connects us with our planet but also inspires interest in science and technology. As we learn more about these events, we enhance our understanding of the universe—and advancements in space exploration continue to benefit our everyday lives.
Stay updated on NASA’s latest missions at science.nasa.gov, and enjoy this wonderful month of stargazing!
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