The evening sky tonight and on any clear evening presents an ever-changing show of fascinating objects you possibly can see, from stars and constellations to vibrant planets, usually the moon, and typically particular occasions like meteor showers.
Observing the evening sky may be carried out with no particular tools, though a sky map may be very helpful, and an excellent telescope or binoculars will improve some experiences and convey some in any other case invisible objects into view. You too can use astronomy equipment to make your observing simpler, and use our Satellite Tracker web page powered by N2YO.com (opens in new tab) to search out out when to see the International Space Station and different satellites. You too can seize the evening sky by utilizing any of the best cameras for astrophotography, together with a number of the best lenses for astrophotography.
Learn on to search out out what’s up within the evening sky tonight (planets seen now, moon phases, observing highlights this month) plus different assets (skywatching phrases, evening sky observing ideas and additional studying).
Associated: The brightest planets in October’s night sky: How to see them (and when)
Month-to-month skywatching info is offered to Area.com by Chris Vaughan of Starry Evening Schooling, the chief in space science curriculum options. Observe Starry Evening on Twitter @StarryNightEdu and Chris at @Astrogeoguy.
Editor’s be aware: When you have an incredible skywatching picture you’d prefer to share for a potential story or picture gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com.
Calendar of observing highlights
Saturday, October 1 – Delphinus Swims the Southern Sky (all evening)
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Throughout the night in early October, the small constellation of Delphinus is positioned excessive within the southern sky. Search for its 5 4th-magnitude stars shining simply to the decrease left (or celestial southeast) of the road connecting the intense stars Deneb and Altair.
Based on Greek legend, Poseidon, god of the seas, was assisted in a matter of the center by a pleasant dolphin, so he rewarded it with a spot of honor within the heavens. Delphinus’ brightest two stars are bluish Sualocin, on the prime of its head, and whitish Rotanev, on the nape of its neck. These humorous appellations are literally the identify of Nineteenth-century astronomer Nicolaus Venator spelled backward. Gamma Delphinus, the star marking the dolphin’s nostril, is a close-together double star with one part a greenish coloration. Regardless of swimming near the Milky Way, Delphinus’ solely outstanding deep-sky objects are two globular clusters designated NGC 7006 and NGC 6934, that are additionally numbers C42 and C47, respectively, on Sir Patrick Moore’s Caldwell Checklist.
Sunday, October 2- First Quarter Moon (at 8:14 p.m. EDT)
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The moon will full the primary quarter of its journey round Earth on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 8:14 p.m. EDT or 5:14 p.m. PDT. That interprets to Monday, Oct. 3 at 00:14 GMT. At first quarter, the moon’s 90-degree angle from the sun will trigger us to see it half-illuminated — on its japanese facet, and shining among the many Teapot-shaped stars of Sagittarius after nightfall. At first quarter, the moon all the time rises round noon and units round midnight, so it’s seen within the afternoon daytime sky, too. The evenings surrounding first quarter are the most effective ones for seeing the lunar terrain when it’s dramatically lit by low-angle daylight, particularly alongside the terminator, the pole-to-pole boundary that separates the lit and darkish hemispheres.
Wednesday, October 5 – Brilliant Moon close to Saturn (night)
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After nightfall on Wednesday night, Oct. 5, look within the decrease a part of the southeastern sky for the waxing gibbous moon shining a slim palm’s width to the decrease left (or 5 levels to the celestial southeast) of Saturn‘s yellowish dot. That spacing will likely be simply shut sufficient for them to share the view in most binoculars (inexperienced circle). By the point Saturn units within the west-southwest round 2:30 a.m. native time, the diurnal rotation of the sky will carry the moon to Saturn’s higher left.
Thursday, October 6 – Vesta ends its Retrograde Loop (in a single day)
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On Thursday evening, Oct. 6, the westward retrograde movement (crimson path with date:hr) of the massive predominant belt asteroid designated (4) Vesta will stow to a cease. After Thursday, it’ll resume eastward movement by way of the celebrities of japanese Capricornus. The magnitude 6.6 asteroid is vibrant sufficient to see in good binoculars and any dimension of telescope. Search for it shining a slim fist’s diameter to the decrease left (or 8.75 levels to the celestial southeast) of Saturn and a palm’s width (six levels) from the celebrities Deneb Algedi and Zeta Capricorni.
Friday, October 7 – Crater Copernicus (all evening)
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The nights surrounding Friday, October 7 will likely be notably good for viewing the outstanding crater Copernicus, which is situated in japanese Oceanus Procellarum, the darkish area situated due south of Mare Imbrium and barely northwest of the moon’s heart. This 800 million-year-old affect scar is seen with unaided eyes and binoculars — however telescope views will reveal many extra attention-grabbing elements of lunar geology. A number of nights earlier than the moon reaches its full phase, Copernicus reveals closely terraced edges (as a result of slumping), an intensive ejecta blanket outdoors the crater rim, a fancy central peak, and each clean and tough terrain on the crater’s ground. Across the full moon, Copernicus’ ray system, extending 500 miles (800 km) in all instructions, turns into outstanding. Use excessive magnification to go searching Copernicus for small craters with vibrant flooring and black haloes — impacts by way of Copernicus’ white ejecta that excavated darkish Oceanus Procellarum basalt and even deeper highlands anorthosite.
Saturday, October 8 – Moon Pursues Jupiter (all evening)
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After it rises within the japanese sky round nightfall on Saturday night, October 8, the intense, waxing gibbous moon will shine a number of finger widths under (or 3.5 levels to the celestial southeast) of the very vibrant planet Jupiter — permitting the duo to share the view in binoculars (inexperienced circle) all evening lengthy as they slide west. By the point they set round 6 a.m. native time the diurnal rotation of the sky will swing the moon above Jupiter. Because of the moon’s steady easterly orbital movement, skywatchers viewing the duo later, or in additional westerly time zones, will see the moon positioned somewhat farther from the planet.
Saturday, October 8 – Mercury at Best Western Elongation (pre-dawn)
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On Saturday, October 8, the planet Mercury will attain a most angle of 18 levels from the sun, and peak visibility, for the present morning apparition. Search for the innermost planet shining brightly whereas it climbs the japanese pre-dawn sky between about 5:45 and 6:30 a.m. in your native time zone. In a telescope (inset) Mercury will exhibit a 50%-illuminated, waxing phase. Mercury’s place above the almost upright morning ecliptic (inexperienced line) will make this a superb apparition for Northern Hemisphere observers, however a really poor one for these situated south of the equator, the place the ecliptic will likely be tilted.
Sunday, October 9 – Full Hunter’s Moon (at 20:55 GMT)
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The full moon of October, which is able to happen at 4:55 p.m. EDT, 1:55 p.m. PDT, or 20:55 GMT, on Sunday, October 9, is historically referred to as the Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. The Anishinaabe folks of the Nice Lakes area name this moon Binaakwe-giizis, the Falling Leaves Moon, or Mshkawji-giizis, the Freezing Moon. The Cree Nation of central Canada calls it Opimuhumowipesim, the Migrating Moon – the month when birds are migrating. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois / Mohawk) of Jap North America makes use of Kentenha, the Time of Poverty Moon. Full moons in October all the time shine in or close to the celebrities of Cetus and Pisces. Because it’s reverse the sun on this day of the lunar month, the full moon will rise at sundown and set at dawn.
Tuesday, October 11 – Brilliant Moon Approaches Uranus (late evening)
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On Tuesday night, October 11 within the Americas, the very vibrant, waning gibbous moon will shine a brief distance to the higher proper (or celestial west) of the blue-green, magnitude 5.7 speck of Uranus. When the pair clears the japanese rooftops within the Atlantic and Jap Time Zones, the moon will likely be positioned a number of levels from the planet. Because the moon’s orbital movement (inexperienced line) will likely be carrying it steadily eastward, observers wanting later, and within the extra westerly time zones, will see the moon progressively nearer to Uranus. Round 06:00 GMT, telescope-owners within the northwestern USA, Alaska, northern and western Canada, and Greenland can see the moon occult Uranus – the tenth in a sequence of consecutive lunar occultations of that planet. The remainder of North America will solely see the moon go intently above (north) Uranus. Use Starry Evening to search for your timing for the occasion.
Friday, October 14 – Waning Moon close to Mars (in a single day)
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When the waning gibbous moon clears the treetops within the east-northeastern sky round 10 p.m. native time on Friday, October 14, will probably be accompanied by the intense, reddish dot of Mars shining a number of finger-widths to its decrease proper (or three levels to the celestial south). The pair will likely be shut sufficient to share the view in binoculars (inexperienced circle) all evening lengthy – however, by dawn, the moon will likely be farther from and immediately above the planet.
Saturday, October 15 – Mars Passes the Crab Nebula (all evening)
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For about ten nights surrounding Saturday, October 15, the easterly movement of Mars will carry it intently previous the Crab Nebula, in any other case referred to as Messier 1, in Taurus. Mars will transfer to inside a thumb’s width above (or 1.5 levels to the celestial northwest of) M1 on October 11 — shut sufficient to share the view in a yard telescope (inexperienced circle). At their closest strategy on Saturday, Mars will likely be positioned a couple of finger’s width to the higher left of the magnitude 8.4 supernova remnant. On the next nights, Mars will shift extra to the nebula’s higher left (or northeast). The comparatively faint Crab Nebula is finest seen in bigger telescopes below darkish skies. Because the waning moon will go near the pair on October 14, plan to view the nebula earlier than the crescent moon rises on October 17-20.
Sunday, October 16 – Moon Meets Castor and Pollux (in a single day)
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When the waning crescent moon rises within the japanese sky at round 11 p.m. native time on Sunday, October 16, will probably be forming a reasonably triangle to the fitting (or celestial southwest) of the up-down pair of vibrant stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux. Throughout the evening, the moon’s easterly orbital movement will carry it nearer to Pollux (the decrease, extra easterly star), permitting all three objects to share the view in binoculars (inexperienced circle) till daybreak.
Monday, October 17 – Third Quarter Moon (at 17:15 GMT)
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The moon will full three-quarters of its orbit round Earth, measured from the earlier new moon, on Monday, October 17 at 1:15 p.m. EDT and 10:15 a.m. PDT or 17:15 GMT. On the third (or final) quarter phase the moon seems half-illuminated, on its western, sunward facet. It is going to rise round midnight native time, after which stay seen till it units within the western daytime sky within the early afternoon. Third-quarter moons are positioned forward of the Earth in our journey across the sun. About 3½ hours later, Earth will occupy that very same location in space. The week of darkish, moonless night skies that comply with this phase is the most effective one for observing fainter deep sky targets.
Tuesday, October 18 – Half-Moon Approaches the Beehive (pre-dawn)
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Throughout the wee hours of Tuesday morning, October 18, the waning crescent moon will likely be climbing the japanese sky above the faint stars of Most cancers. The moon’s easterly orbital movement (inexperienced line) will steadily carry it nearer to central Most cancers. In the direction of daybreak, the moon will shine binoculars near Most cancers’s giant open star cluster, which is named Messier 44 or the Beehive. To see the cluster’s swarm of stars, which span greater than twice the moon’s diameter, cover the moon simply above your binoculars’ discipline of view (inexperienced circle).
Tuesday, October 18 – Juno Reverses Course (all evening)
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On Tuesday, October 18, the westward movement of the principle belt asteroid designated (3) Juno will sluggish to a cease because it completes a retrograde loop that it started in late July. After tonight it’ll resume eastward prograde movement by way of the celebrities of central Aquarius. The magnitude 8.6 minor planet may be noticed in binoculars (inexperienced circle) and any telescope. This night it’ll sit partway up the southern sky between Jupiter and Saturn, inside a triangle shaped by the medium-bright stars Lambda, Tau, and Sigma Aquarii.
Wednesday, October 19 – Two Shadows and the Nice Pink Spot Cross Jupiter (17:20 to 19:00 GMT)
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Once in a while, observers with good telescopes can watch the small, spherical, black shadow of one of many Galilean moons slip throughout Jupiter’s disk. On Wednesday night, October 19, sky-watchers throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia can see a uncommon deal with when two shadows cross the southern hemisphere of Jupiter, along with the Great Red Spot! At 7:19 p.m. Central European Summer time Time or 17:20 GMT, the Nice Pink Spot and the small shadow of Europa will be a part of the massive shadow of Ganymede, which started its personal crossing of the planet an hour earlier. Ganymede’s shadow will depart Jupiter round 9 p.m. CEST or 19:00 GMT, leaving Europa’s shadow to proceed on till 9:45 p.m. CEST or 19:45 GMT. The GRS will disappear about 45 minutes later.
Thursday, October 20 – Crescent Moon Occults Brilliant Star Eta Leonis (pre-dawn)
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Within the japanese sky on Thursday morning, October 20, observers throughout many of the continental USA and southern Canada can use binoculars (inexperienced circle) and yard telescopes to see the crescent moon occult the intense star Eta Leonis, the star marks the chest of Leo, the Lion. Actual timings will fluctuate by location, so use an app like Starry Evening to find out the exact occasions the place you’re. In Denver, the intense, forefront of the moon will cowl Eta Leonis at 4:58 a.m. MDT or 10:58 GMT. The star will emerge from behind the moon’s reverse, darkish limb at 6:14 a.m. MDT. In additional easterly time zones, the occasion will happen in a brightening sky earlier than dawn. For finest outcomes, begin watching a couple of minutes forward of every time famous.
Friday, October 21 – Orionids Meteor Bathe Peak (pre-dawn)
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The annual Orionids meteor bathe is produced when the Earth crosses by way of a cloud of small particles dropped by repeated passages of Comet Halley in its orbit. Considered in a darkish sky in the course of the peak of the bathe, 10-20 vibrant and fast-moving meteors are normally seen every hour. Though this bathe technically runs from September 26 to November 22, it’ll peak within the Americas on the afternoon of Friday, October 21, when Earth will likely be crossing the densest area of the particle discipline. Since meteors are solely seen in a darkish sky, the most effective viewing time for the USA and Canada would be the wee hours of Friday morning earlier than the waning crescent moon rises, and late on Friday evening. These shoulder-peak occasions will yield considerably fewer meteors. Orionids meteors will seem wherever within the sky, however they are often traced again to their radiant within the constellation of Orion.
Friday, October 21 – Previous Crescent Moon close to Ceres (pre-dawn)
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Throughout the hours earlier than daybreak on Friday morning, October 21, look within the japanese sky for the previous crescent moon shining prettily. The dwarf planet Ceres will likely be positioned a number of finger-widths to the higher left (or 3 levels to the celestial north) of the moon — shut sufficient to share the view in binoculars (inexperienced circle). With a magnitude of solely 8.84, Ceres will likely be seen extra simply in a yard telescope. The considerably brighter stars HIP 53881 and 52 Leonis can help in your search.
Saturday, October 22 – Saturn Pauses Near Star Iota Cap (night)
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On Saturday evening, October 22, Saturn’s westward retrograde movement by way of the celebrities of central Capricornus will sluggish to a cease because it completes a retrograde loop that it started in early June. This night, Saturn’s magnitude 0.6 yellowish dot will seem within the decrease a part of the southwestern sky, shining lower than a finger’s width to the higher left (or 0.6 levels to the celestial northeast) of the intense star Iota Capricorni — shut sufficient to share the view in a yard telescope (inexperienced circle). As Saturn resumes its common prograde movement within the coming weeks, it’ll widen its separation east of that star.
Sunday, October 23 – Morning Zodiacal Gentle for Mid-Northern Observers (pre-dawn)
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Throughout autumn at mid-northern latitudes yearly, the ecliptic (inexperienced line) extends almost vertically upward from the japanese horizon earlier than daybreak. That geometry favors the looks of the faint zodiacal gentle within the japanese sky for about half an hour earlier than daybreak on moonless mornings. Zodiacal gentle is daylight scattered by interplanetary particles which can be concentrated within the airplane of the solar system — the identical materials that produces meteor showers. It’s extra readily seen in areas freed from city gentle air pollution. Between now and the full moon on November 8, search for a broad wedge of faint gentle extending upwards from the japanese horizon and centered on the ecliptic. It will likely be strongest within the decrease third of the sky, under the intense star Regulus. Strive taking a protracted publicity {photograph} to seize the zodiacal gentle, however do not confuse it with the Milky Way, which is positioned close by within the southern sky.
Monday, October 24 – Very Previous Moon Meets Mercury (earlier than dawn)
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Simply above the japanese horizon earlier than dawn on Monday, October 24, the very previous crescent moon (only one% illuminated) will shine lower than a thumb’s width above (or 1.6 levels to the northwest of) the intense planet, Mercury. The duo will likely be robust to see throughout the pre-dawn twilight. Binoculars (inexperienced circle) will assist your search — however make sure to flip them away earlier than the sun rises. The optimum viewing window at mid-northern latitudes will likely be 6:30 to six:50 a.m. native time.
Tuesday, October 25 – New Moon and Partial Photo voltaic Eclipse (at 10:49 GMT)
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The moon will formally attain its new phase at 6:49 a.m. EDT, 3:49 a.m. PDT, or 10:49 GMT on Tuesday, October 25. This new moon can even characteristic a deep partial solar eclipse that will likely be seen throughout most of Europe, northeastern Africa and the Center East, and Central Asia. After the moon’s penumbral shadow first contacts Earth within the North Atlantic Ocean round dawn at 08:58:20 GMT, it’ll sweep eastward and south throughout Europe and the Center East till it lifts off Earth close to the Persian Gulf at 13:02:16 GMT. The moment of biggest eclipse, with the moon blocking 0.63 of the sun’s diameter, will happen east of Surgut, Russia, round sundown, at 11:01:20 GMT. This solar eclipse will likely be adopted by a total lunar eclipse on Nov 8. Protecting solar filters will likely be wanted to view any a part of this eclipse.
Wednesday, October 26 – Double Shadow Transit on Jupiter (20:20 to 22:20 GMT)
On Wednesday night, October 26 observers with telescopes throughout Africa, Europe, and western Asia can watch the spherical black shadows of two of Jupiter’s moons cross the southern hemisphere of the large planet collectively for 2 hours. At 10:20 p.m. CEST or 20:20 GMT, the massive shadow of Ganymede will be a part of Europa’s smaller shadow, which started to cross at 9:55 p.m. CEST. Europa’s shadow will transfer off Jupiter at 12:20 a.m. CEST or 22:20 GMT, leaving Ganymede’s shadow to cross alone till 1 a.m. CEST or 23:00 GMT.
Thursday, October 27 – Younger Moon close to Antares (after sundown)
Low within the southwestern sky after nightfall on Thursday, October 27, the younger crescent moon will shine beside the claw stars of Scorpius, a number of finger-widths to the fitting (or 4 levels to the celestial northwest) of the scorpion’s vibrant, reddish star Antares. They are going to be shut sufficient to share the view in binoculars (inexperienced circle). Scorpius’ stars will develop into simpler to see because the sky darkens, however the tableau will disappear under the rooftops by about 7 p.m. native time.
Saturday, October 29 – Mars Enters Retrograde (in a single day)
On Saturday evening, October 29 within the Americas, Mars’ eastward prograde movement by way of the celebrities of Taurus will sluggish to a cease to ensure that it to start a westerly retrograde loop that can final by way of its December opposition and into mid-January. On Saturday night, vibrant, reddish Mars will likely be positioned within the japanese sky between the 2 horn ideas of the bull, the medium-bright stars Zeta Tauri and Elnath. Over the subsequent month, you possibly can watch Mars swing between these stars after which race west (crimson path with date:hr) in direction of the intense Pleiades star cluster.
Sunday, October 30 – Medusa’s Eye Pulses (at 01:39 GMT)
Within the constellation of Perseus, Algol, additionally designated Beta Persei, marks the glowing eye of Medusa from Greek mythology. The star is among the many most accessible variable stars for skywatchers. Throughout a ten-hour interval that repeats each 2 days, 20 hours, and 49 minutes, Algol dims noticeably and re-brightens as a result of a companion star orbiting almost edge-on to Earth crosses in entrance of the a lot brighter predominant star, lowering the total gentle output we understand. Algol usually shines at magnitude 2.1, just like close by Almach in Andromeda. However when absolutely dimmed, Algol’s magnitude 3.4 is barely fainter than Rho Persei (ρ Per), the star sitting simply two finger widths to Algol’s decrease proper (or 2.25 levels to the celestial south). On Sunday, October 30 at 9:39 p.m. EDT or 6:39 p.m. PDT, Algol will likely be at its minimal brightness. At the moment will probably be situated within the decrease a part of the northeastern sky. 5 hours later the star will return to full depth from a perch almost overhead.
Monday, October 31 – The Spooky Owl Cluster (all evening)
Considered one of my favourite spooky objects may be seen in binoculars or a yard telescope on autumn evenings. It is one of many many vibrant, open star clusters within the W-shaped of Cassiopeia, the Queen, which you may discover within the northeastern sky. NGC 457, higher referred to as the Owl Cluster, ET Cluster, or Dragonfly Cluster, is dominated by two outstanding, close-together, yellow stars (Phi Cas and HD 7902) that type the eyes, a sprinkling of dimmer stars for the physique and ft, and two curved chains of stars that appear to be upswept wings. Remember that the critter is positioned with its head pointing away from Cassiopeia, which circles the north celestial pole. The cluster occupies the 90-degree nook of a right-angle triangle that’s accomplished by the celebrities Gamma Cas and Ruchbah. It is about two finger widths above (or 2 levels to the celestial south-southwest of) Ruchbah — as if the queen is bouncing the newborn owl on her knee!
Planets
Mercury
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Mercury will start October shining at magnitude 1.2 within the japanese pre-dawn sky. The swift planet will improve its angle from the sun till it reaches a most elongation of 18 levels, and peak visibility, on October 8. One of the best views of the planet then will fall between about 6 and 6:30 am native time. After most elongation, Mercury will sink sunward once more. The early October apparition would be the better of the 12 months for observers at mid-northern latitudes, however a poor one for these within the southern hemisphere. The planet will steadily improve in brightness throughout October. Considered in a telescope, Mercury will wax within the illuminated phase from 18% to 99% whereas its obvious disk diameter halves from 8.8 to 4.8 arc-seconds. (Be sure you flip all optical aids away from the japanese horizon earlier than the sun rises.) By the point the previous crescent moon seems a thumb’s width above (to the celestial northwest) Mercury on October 24, the planet can have develop into very tough to see.
Venus
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Throughout the first few mornings of October, Venus is perhaps noticed with issue simply above the japanese horizon earlier than dawn. The very vibrant planet will sink sunward every morning, go the sun at superior conjunction on October 21, after which re-appear within the western night sky in direction of year-end.
Mars
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Mars will likely be properly positioned for viewing beginning within the late evenings throughout October. On the first it’ll rise simply after 10 p.m. native time and climb excessive within the southern sky by dawn. By the month’s finish, Mars’ rising time will advance to eight:20 p.m. native time. The crimson planet will spend October slowing its eastward trek between the horns of Taurus. On October 30 Mars will stop its movement altogether after which start a westerly retrograde loop that can final by way of a tremendous opposition in early December after which finish in mid-January. Over the month, Earth’s distance from Mars will lower by 13.67 million miles (22 million km). In consequence, Mars will brighten from magnitude -0.59 to -1.22. Its look in telescopes will present a virtually absolutely illuminated disk that swells in obvious diameter from 12 to fifteen arc-seconds. Look ahead to strategies of the darkish markings that can develop into clearer at opposition. Mars will go only one.2 levels to the north of the Crab Nebula supernova remnant from October 14-16; however the vibrant, waning gibbous moon will shine close by to their north.
Jupiter
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Jupiter will likely be well-placed for observing all evening lengthy throughout October — though will probably be highest, and look sharpest in telescopes, in the course of the center hours of the evening. The planet will proceed its slide westward throughout the celebrities of western Pisces — and in direction of Neptune. Its separation from that distant, blue planet will lower from 9 to six.8 levels. The yellowish dot of 24 occasions much less vibrant Saturn will shine about 40 levels to Jupiter’s southwest. Nonetheless solely weeks previous its closest opposition in a long time, Jupiter will shine at a really vibrant magnitude of -2.9. In novice telescopes, the planet will exhibit equatorial bands girdling a beneficiant, 49 arc-seconds-wide disk, the Nice Pink Spot will seem each second or third evening, and Jupiter’s 4 giant Galilean satellites will steadily eclipse and occult each other, and solid their spherical, black shadows on the planet — singly and in pairs. The almost full moon will hop previous Jupiter on October 7-8.
Saturn
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Throughout October, the yellowish dot of Saturn will likely be observable from after nightfall till late night — although it will not climb very excessive when it culminates within the southern sky in mid-evening. The white dot of 24 occasions brighter Jupiter will likely be positioned 40 levels to Saturn’s left (or celestial east). On October 23 Saturn will stop its westerly retrograde movement and put together to renew common eastward prograde movement. That very same evening Saturn will strategy to inside 0.6 levels east of the magnitude 4.2 star Iota Capricorni in central Capricornus. Their separation will noticeably widen over the next weeks. Considered in a telescope throughout October, Saturn will present an obvious disk diameter of 17.7 arc-seconds, and its rings will subtend 41 arc-seconds. Saturn’s rings will likely be tilting extra edge-on to us yearly till the spring of 2025. This 12 months they’re already closed sufficient for Saturn’s southern polar area to increase properly past them. The waxing gibbous moon will shine to the southeast of Saturn on October 5.
Uranus
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Blue-green Uranus will likely be observable between late night and daybreak throughout October. Rising shortly after 8 p.m. native time on the first, Uranus will climb highest within the southern sky, and look finest in telescopes, in the course of the wee hours. By month’s-end, these timings will advance by 2 hours. Over the month, magnitude 5.6 Uranus will journey retrograde westward by way of the celebrities of southeastern Aries. Its trajectory will likely be parallel to, and about 1.5 levels to the south of, the road becoming a member of the brighter stars Botein (Delta Arietis) and Pi Arietis, making a triangular asterism for anybody trying to find Uranus in binoculars. Uranus’ small, 3.8 arc-seconds-wide blue disk will seem markedly totally different from these stars. On October 11, the intense, waning gibbous moon will shine 2 levels to the higher proper (or celestial WSW) of Uranus. Hours later, observers with telescopes in Alaska, northwestern continental USA, and northern and western Canada, and Greenland can see the moon occult Uranus round 05:00 to 06:00 GMT — the tenth in a sequence of consecutive lunar occultations of that planet.
Neptune
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Throughout October, the distant, blue planet Neptune will likely be an all-night goal that can share the sky with far brighter Jupiter to its east and the yellowish dot of Saturn shining 35 levels to the southwest. The Jupiter-Neptune separation will lower from 9 to six.8 levels over the month. Neptune will shine at magnitude 7.8, which is inside attain of fine binoculars. The blue planet will likely be touring retrograde westward among the many stars of northeastern Aquarius, in direction of the medium-bright star Phi Aquarii. In a telescope, Neptune’s tiny obvious disk dimension will span 2.4 arc-seconds. Bigger telescopes can present Neptune’s giant moon Triton.
Skywatching phrases
Gibbous: Used to explain a planet or moon that’s greater than 50% illuminated.
Asterism: A noteworthy or placing sample of stars inside a bigger constellation.
Levels (measuring the sky): The sky is 360 levels all the best way round, which implies roughly 180 levels from horizon to horizon. It’s simple to measure distances between objects: Your fist on an outstretched arm covers about 10 levels of sky, whereas a finger covers about one diploma.
Visible Magnitude: That is the astronomer’s scale for measuring the brightness of objects within the sky. The dimmest object seen within the evening sky below completely darkish situations is about magnitude 6.5. Brighter stars are magnitude 2 or 1. The brightest objects get unfavorable numbers. Venus may be as vibrant as magnitude minus 4.9. The full moon is minus 12.7 and the sun is minus 26.8.
Terminator: The boundary on the moon between daylight and shadow.
Zenith: The purpose within the sky immediately overhead.
Evening sky observing ideas
Regulate to the darkish: In the event you want to observe fainter objects, reminiscent of meteors, dim stars, nebulas, and galaxies, give your eyes not less than quarter-hour to regulate to the darkness. Keep away from your telephone’s vibrant display by retaining it tucked away. In the event you should use it, set the brightness to minimal – or cowl it with clingy crimson movie.
Gentle Air pollution: Even from an enormous metropolis, one can see the moon, a handful of vibrant stars, and the brightest planets – if they’re above the horizon. However to completely benefit from the heavens — particularly a meteor bathe, the fainter constellations, or to see the superb swath throughout the sky that’s the disk of our dwelling galaxy, the Milky Way — rural areas are finest for evening sky viewing. In the event you’re caught in a metropolis or suburban space, use a tree or darkish constructing to dam ambient gentle (or moonlight) and assist reveal fainter sky objects. In the event you’re within the suburbs, merely turning off out of doors lights can assist.
Put together for skywatching: In the event you plan to be outdoors for quite a lot of minutes, and it’s not a heat summer season night, gown extra warmly than you suppose is important. An hour of winter observing can chill you to the bone. For meteor showers, a blanket or lounge chair will show to be way more comfy than standing, or sitting in a chair and craning your neck to see overhead.
Daytime skywatching: On the times surrounding first quarter, the moon is seen within the afternoon daytime sky. Eventually quarter, the moon rises earlier than dawn and lingers into the morning daytime sky. When Venus is at a major angle away from the sun it could possibly usually be noticed in the course of the day as a superb level of sunshine – however you’ll must seek the advice of an astronomy app to know when and the place to search for it. When giant sunspots develop on the sun, they are often seen and not using a telescope – so long as you employ correct solar filters, reminiscent of eclipse glasses. Everlasting eye harm can happen when you have a look at the sun for any size of time with out protecting eyewear.