October Has 6 Night Sky Wonders Including a Supermoon and 2 Meteor Showers

"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."

"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."

"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. After months of waiting, we'll have the first full supermoon of the year come Oct. 6."

October offers abundant nighttime celestial events accessible to naked-eye viewing across many nights. The month features two meteor showers, multiple planet–moon pairings, and aligns with the roughly 11-year peak in northern lights activity. The Milky Way core remains visible low on the northern-hemisphere horizon at twilight throughout much of the month. On Oct. 5 the waxing gibbous moon will pass near Saturn while Neptune transits nearby but requires a telescope. Oct. 6 brings a full harvest supermoon appearing larger at moonrise and moonset. The Draconid meteor shower peaks Oct. 8 near early twilight but moonlight may obscure most meteors. The moon crosses the Pleiades on Oct. 10.

Read at Travel + Leisure