Plenty of astronomical events are happening in the month of October.
With two meteor showers, sightings of Mars and Uranus, and a rare blue moon, the whole family is guaranteed to see a number of scenes.
As long as there is a clear sky you will be able to see these showers, planets and moons with the naked eye.
So, be sure to write these dates in your diary so that you do not miss out.
Meteor showers
- October October 8 – Draconids meteor shower
These meteor showers are generally modest, although there have been notable exceptions in the past – including 2018.
It is made up of dust debris left by comet Giacobini-Zinner.
Year’s to October This year’s shower peaks on the night of October and, unlike most other meteor showers, where activity is usually highest after midnight, occurs at night.
One of the most well-known and most reliable meteor showers, the Orionids peak between midnight and dawn on October 21 and 22 this year.
Meteors are fast with beautiful trains and are created by debris from Haley’s comet. You can expect to see up to 20 per hour on top of it.
Enter your postcode below to claim a free scratchcard
Tue – 13 October October
The best time to see the Red Planet is on October 13 as it approaches Earth’s closest approach.
It will see the brightest and best Mars in the night sky all year round and you should be able to see some details on the surface of the planet with a medium sized telescope.
Uranus – October October 31
This date is the best night to see Uranus as it opposes the sun.
If you live somewhere with less light pollution you will be able to see it.
Look at the greenish discs in the sky.
Staying in touch with the news is never more important, so subscribe to the Liverpool Eco Newsletter now. Twice a day, seven days a week, we will deliver the biggest stories directly to your inbox.
We will also send special breaking news emails for important matters. You won’t miss a thing.
How do I sign up?
It’s free, easy and takes no time.
- First Just click this link in our Newsletter Sign Up Center.
- Once you get there, put your email address where it says at the top, then click the News button. There are other newsletters available if you want it.
- When you make your selection, press the Update Preferences button at the bottom.
Rare Blue Moon – October October 31
On Halloween, we will also be treated to the Blue Hunter Moon.
When the moon doesn’t really look blue, it will be a full moon.
The blue moon comes once every two to three years, so make sure you get a glimpse at Halloween.
Freelance twitter maven. Infuriatingly humble coffee aficionado. Amateur gamer. Typical beer fan. Avid music scholar. Alcohol nerd.
