Astronomy Events for October 2021
It's officially spooky season, and the night sky has a lot of treats for astronomers to observe and image all month long! Enjoy October’s astronomy events that include meteor showers, planets, and more!
Mercury, Venus, Draconids, and More
October 6 - New Moon
This is many astronomers favorite moon phase because there is less light pollution giving you a darker sky and more visible stars!
October 7 - Draconids Meteor Shower
The Draconids is a minor meteor shower producing about 10 meteors per hour. It happens every year from October 6-10 and peaks this year on the night of October 7th. The Draconids is different because it is best viewed in the early evening as opposed to other showers that are best viewed in the early morning.
October 20 - Full Moon
This Full Moon was known by some early Native American tribes as the Hunter's Moon because at this time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fat and ready to hunt. It has also been known as the Travel Moon and the Blood Moon.
October 21, 22 - Orionids Meteor Shower
The Orionids meteor shower produces about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It happens every year from October 2 to November 7, peaking this year on the night of the 21st to early morning of the 22nd. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Halley, which has been known and observed since ancient times. The best time to view it will be after midnight from a dark sky location.
October 25 - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation. This is the best time to view Mercury because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
October 29 - Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation
The planet Venus reaches greatest eastern elongation from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset.
