This October, the night sky is putting on a show—think bright moons, streaking meteors, and galaxies that are just waiting to be spotted. Whether you're new to stargazing or already have a telescope handy, this month offers plenty of chances to experience the magic of the cosmos.
From the stunning Full Hunter’s Supermoon to the fast-moving Orionid meteors, the sky will be packed with events that are easy to enjoy. You'll even have the chance to see the Andromeda and Triangulum Galaxies, along with the sparkling Perseus Double Cluster, all visible with just a pair of binoculars.
So, if you’ve been meaning to get outside and look up, now’s the perfect time. Grab a blanket, some hot cocoa, and head to a dark spot—October’s celestial wonders are waiting for you.
5 Celestial Marvels to Watch This October
October 1: Andromeda Galaxy
Our neighboring galaxy, Andromeda, will be at its best—perfect for late-night viewing.
October 14: Triangulum Galaxy
The Triangulum Galaxy reaches its highest point, offering a great view through binoculars or a small telescope.
October 17: Full Hunter’s Supermoon
October’s Supermoon rises just after sunset, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
October 20: Orionids Meteor Shower
The Orionids peak, offering fast, bright meteors—despite some moonlight interference.
October 26: Perseus Double Cluster
This stunning pair of star clusters will be high in the sky, ideal for binoculars or a telescope.
October 1st
Spotting Our Galactic Neighbor: Andromeda Galaxy
If you’re itching to catch a glimpse of our neighboring galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), you’re in luck! As of October 1st, it’ll be perfectly placed for stargazing, reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight local time. At magnitude 3.4, M31 isn’t the easiest to spot with the naked eye—especially if you’re in a city—but with the right conditions and some basic equipment, you’ll get a fantastic view of this cosmic wonder.
Best Times and Places to Watch
For my northern hemisphere friends, Andromeda will be shining brightest in the evening sky. It’ll be highest around midnight, so that's prime time for galaxy watching. Since it sits at a declination of 41°16'N, it’s best viewed from mid to northern latitudes. Sadly, it won’t be visible to those living south of 28°S. If you’re in a spot with low light pollution—think rural areas or national parks—you’ve got the best shot at catching it. City dwellers may want to consider taking a trip to darker skies for the best chance of spotting this distant beauty.
Practical Viewing Tips:
- Find a dark sky location. The Andromeda Galaxy is faint, so it’s tough to see with the naked eye unless you’re at a dark site. The best conditions are found in areas rated Bortle Class 3 or below, so look for a spot far away from city lights.
- Prime time for viewing: Andromeda will be up all night, but its highest point comes around midnight, making the period between 10 PM and 2 AM your best window for viewing.
- Equipment recommendations: While Andromeda can be visible to the naked eye in really dark skies, a good pair of binoculars (like 10x50s) will make the galaxy much easier to find. Better yet, if you have a small telescope (like a 4-inch or 6-inch reflector), you’ll be able to make out the galaxy's shape as a faint, oval glow. Just don’t expect the detailed colors you see in professional photos—it’ll look more like a fuzzy, glowing patch in amateur equipment.
- Weather conditions: Be sure to choose a clear night for your stargazing. Low humidity and good seeing conditions are key for spotting dim objects like M31. Check the weather beforehand and aim for a night with crisp, clear skies.
How to Find Andromeda in the Sky
To find the Andromeda Galaxy, start by locating the constellation Cassiopeia. It’s easily recognizable by its distinct W-shape made by five bright stars. Andromeda sits just to the southeast of Cassiopeia, and once you spot the W, look for a faint, oval glow—it’ll be M31!
Here are the exact coordinates:
- Right Ascension: 00h42m40s
- Declination: 41°16'N
- Magnitude: 3.4
October 14th
Unveiling the Triangulum Galaxy: Spotting M33
On October 14th, the Triangulum Galaxy (M33) will be perfectly placed in the sky for some serious stargazing. Known for its faint, yet beautiful glow, this galaxy will hit its highest point around midnight local time, making it a prime target for late-night viewing. With a magnitude of 5.8, M33 is faint and difficult to spot with the naked eye, but with the right gear, you’re in for a special sight.
Best Times and Places to Watch
The Triangulum Galaxy is best viewed from the northern hemisphere since it lies at a declination of 30°39'N. If you’re in latitudes north of 39°S, you’ve got a good chance of spotting it, but those further south will miss out. For northern hemisphere observers—especially those in North America, Europe, and northern Asia—October is prime time for M33. The galaxy will be visible all night, but the best time for viewing is between 10 PM and 2 AM, with midnight being the ideal moment. As always, head to a dark-sky location far from city lights to get the best view.
Practical Viewing Tips:
- Dark skies are essential. With a magnitude of 5.8, M33 is quite faint and challenging to see with the naked eye unless you’re under exceptionally dark skies (Bortle 2 or lower). For most observers, binoculars or a telescope will be necessary. To improve your chances, seek out a location with minimal light pollution—look for a Bortle Class 3 or lower site for the best results.
- Late evening is the best time. On October 14th, M33 will reach its highest point at midnight, so the period between 10 PM and 2 AM is ideal. However, the Triangulum Galaxy will remain visible throughout the night in October, giving you flexibility if you can’t stay up too late. Remember to let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 20-30 minutes to maximize your ability to see fainter objects.
- Binoculars or telescope? If you’ve got binoculars—even something as simple as 10x50s—you should be able to detect the faint glow of the Triangulum Galaxy under dark skies. For a more detailed view of its spiral structure, a small telescope (like a 4- to 6-inch reflector) will be much more effective. Through a telescope, M33 will appear as a faint, hazy patch, with hints of its spiral shape under good conditions.
- Perfect weather conditions: Clear skies are a must for viewing faint objects like M33. Make sure to observe on a night with low humidity and steady atmospheric conditions for the clearest view. Any haze, cloud cover, or turbulence in the atmosphere can make seeing a faint object like M33 particularly challenging.
How to Find the Triangulum Galaxy in the Sky
Finding M33 can be a bit tricky, but it’s nestled within the Triangulum constellation, near Andromeda. A helpful tip is to first locate the more prominent Andromeda Galaxy (M31), then use the stars of the Triangulum constellation to guide you to M33. A star chart or astronomy app can make locating it much easier.
Here are the exact coordinates:
- Right Ascension: 01h33m50s
- Declination: 30°39'N
- Magnitude: 5.8
October 17th
Witness the Full Hunter’s Supermoon: Biggest and Brightest
October brings us the Full Hunter’s Moon, and it’s not just any full Moon—it’s a Supermoon! Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 17, 2024, when this spectacular event will reach its peak. But the fun starts early: the Hunter’s Moon will rise around the same time for several nights, so you can start enjoying the view from Wednesday, October 16th.
When to See the Full Supermoon
The Hunter’s Supermoon will reach peak illumination at 7:26 AM Eastern Time on Thursday, October 17. Since the Moon will be below the horizon at that time, you’ll want to catch it rising later in the evening. Head outside just after sunset to watch the Moon lift off the horizon and light up the night sky. The best part? Because it’s a Supermoon, it’ll appear bigger and brighter than usual!
At the time the Moon reaches its full phase, its celestial coordinates will be:
- Right Ascension: 01h27m20s
- Declination: 10°54'N
- Constellation: Pisces
- Angular Size: 33'25"
What Makes This Moon So Special?
October’s Hunter’s Moon is the closest full Moon of the year, orbiting at just 222,055 miles (357,363 kilometers) from Earth, making this the closest Supermoon of 2024. While it’s called a Supermoon, the Moon will only appear about 7% larger than usual, so the difference can be subtle depending on your viewing conditions.
As the Moon rises around sunset, you might notice it looking especially large and orange on the horizon. This is due to the Moon Illusion—a trick your brain plays when you compare the Moon to objects on the ground, like trees or buildings. It’s a perfect look for the autumn season.
Best Places and Times to Watch
The Full Hunter’s Moon will be visible from almost anywhere with a clear view of the horizon. If you want the most dramatic experience, find a dark-sky location away from city lights to really soak in the brightness. Watching the Moon rise over an open landscape or a body of water will give you that beautiful, oversized effect as it first peeks over the horizon.
If you’re using a telescope or binoculars, you’ll want to wait until the Moon has risen a bit higher—around 9 or 10 PM—to avoid atmospheric distortion. This will give you a clearer, sharper view of its craters and details. For astrophotography, capturing the Moon just as it rises can create stunning images, especially if you include landmarks like trees, buildings, or mountains in the foreground.
The Story Behind the Hunter’s Moon
So why is it called the Hunter’s Moon? Historically, this Moon marked the time when early Native American, Colonial, and European cultures prepared for the upcoming winter. Animals would be fattening up, and with the fields cleared after the Harvest Moon, hunters had an easier time spotting game like deer. Predators like foxes and wolves also became more visible as they searched for food.
The term Hunter’s Moon dates back to at least 1710, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Sometimes, you’ll hear it called the Sanguine Moon or Blood Moon, though this is unrelated to a lunar eclipse. These names likely refer to the red hue the Moon takes on during its rise, or possibly to the autumn leaves or the hunting season itself.
October 20th
Catch the Orionids: Meteor Shower Peak
One of the best meteor showers of fall is just around the corner—the Orionids! This annual meteor shower is caused by debris from Halley's Comet (1P/Halley) and always offers a chance to catch some “shooting stars.” While the Orionids tend to be a medium-strength shower, they’ve been known to surprise us with strong displays, sometimes reaching 50-75 meteors per hour (like in 2006-2009). For 2024, you can expect a more modest show, with around 20 meteors per hour at the peak, on the night of October 20-21.
What to Expect in 2024
This year, there’s a bit of a challenge: an 83% full, waning gibbous Moon will rise late in the evening and brighten up the sky. Unfortunately, this means the Moon will likely wash out many of the fainter meteors. But don’t let that stop you. The Orionids are known for producing fast, bright meteors—so you should still be able to spot some dazzling streaks, especially earlier in the night before the Moon gets too high.
Best Time and Place to Watch
The Orionids will peak on the night of October 20-21. The best time to look is after midnight, when the radiant point in the constellation Orion (near Betelgeuse) is higher in the sky. However, you don’t need to look directly at the radiant—meteors can appear all over the sky.
Here’s how to make the most of your meteor-watching experience:
- Find a dark-sky location. Since the Moon will be bright, head to a spot as far from city lights as possible. If you can, block the Moon behind trees or buildings, and face away from the Moon to reduce its glare.
- Watch after midnight. The best meteor activity occurs when the radiant point is highest in the sky, which will be after midnight. Try to catch as many meteors as possible before the Moon rises too high—usually around midnight.
- Use your naked eyes. Meteor showers are best seen without binoculars or telescopes. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20-30 minutes, and then relax and enjoy the show. Be patient, as meteors can come in bursts, so it’s a good idea to stay outside for at least an hour.
Viewing Conditions and What to Bring
Despite the waning gibbous Moon, you still have a good chance of seeing some of the Orionids’ brighter meteors, which move at an impressive 41 miles per second (66 km per second). While the number of visible meteors will be reduced due to the Moon's light, the ones you spot are often bright and leave long-lasting trails.
Here’s what you’ll need for a comfortable viewing session:
- A reclining chair or blanket: To lie back and get the widest view of the sky.
- Warm clothing: October nights can get cold, so bundle up!
- Snacks and hot drinks: Keep yourself cozy and awake.
- A red flashlight: If you need light, use a red one to preserve your night vision.
Meteor Shower Details:
- Radiant Point: 06:21 +15.6° (near Orion’s shoulder—Betelgeuse)
- Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR): 20 (under perfect dark-sky conditions)
- Velocity: 41 miles/sec (66 km/sec)—the meteors are fast!
- Parent Object: Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley)
October 26th
Explore the Celestial Jewel Box: Perseus Double Cluster
If you love stargazing, you don’t want to miss the Perseus Double Cluster, also known as Caldwell 14. This stunning pair of star clusters, NGC 869 and NGC 884, is a real treat for anyone with a pair of binoculars or a telescope. On October 26th, the Perseus Double Cluster will reach its highest point in the sky around midnight local time, making this the perfect time to catch it in all its glory.
Best Times and Places to Watch
The Perseus Double Cluster is best viewed from the northern hemisphere, as it lies at a declination of 57°08'N. If you’re observing from mid to northern latitudes, especially in North America, Europe, and northern Asia, this celestial wonder will be well-placed for viewing in the evening sky throughout late October. However, if you’re south of 12°S, this cluster will be difficult to spot.
On October 26th, you can start viewing as early as 10 PM, but the cluster will be at its highest point around midnight, offering the best view.
Practical Viewing Tips:
- Dark skies are essential. With a combined magnitude of 4.3, the Perseus Double Cluster is faint and won’t be easy to spot with the naked eye unless you’re in a dark-sky location. For the best experience, find a spot far from light pollution—sites rated Bortle Class 3 or lower are ideal.
- When to watch: The cluster will be visible all evening, but its highest point comes around midnight. Try to start watching around 10 PM for a good view, and later into the night, the better.
- Use binoculars or a small telescope: Although this cluster might be visible as a faint patch to the naked eye under very dark skies, a pair of binoculars (10x50 or larger) or a small telescope will give you a much clearer view. Through binoculars or a small scope, you’ll see the two star clusters as a dense, sparkling collection of bright stars, almost like a cosmic jewel box.
- Weather conditions: Choose a night with clear skies and low humidity for the best viewing conditions. Any haze, cloud cover, or light pollution will make this faint object difficult to see. Also, make sure to let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20-30 minutes before trying to locate the cluster.
Position in the Sky
The Perseus Double Cluster is located between the Perseus and Cassiopeia constellations. Look for the distinctive W-shape of Cassiopeia—the Double Cluster sits just below it. Here’s a tip: starting from Cassiopeia and scanning downward will help you locate this dazzling pair of star clusters. The Right Ascension and Declination of the cluster are:
- Right Ascension: 02h20m00s
- Declination: 57°08'N
- Magnitude: 4.3