Main october astronomical events There will be two showers of stars, the first with a much brighter sky than the second. Also, at the end of the month we will have a partial solar eclipse.
As is normal with this type of astronomical event, the eclipse can only be seen from a very specific place on the planet. In fact, on this occasion there will be few countries that will be able to enjoy it, since it will only have good visibility in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Even so, and as always, we will have wonderful nights to look at the sky, either for some conjunction interesting or simply because it is dark enough to see the sky unhindered. There is no bad sky, just inadequate lighting.
The first meteor shower: the Draconids
The October 7 we will have the maximum draconidsa shower of stars from the fragments left by the comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner. It is quite short, because it extends from October 6 to 10 and, even at its peak, does not usually exceed the 10 meteors per hour. Since, in addition, it will take place two days before the full Moon, it is not expected that these astronomical events will fascinate us too much. In any case, any excuse is good to look at the sky.
There are no astronomical events without a full moon.
The full moon of October 9 It will be the hunter’s moon. As usual, the name comes from the legends of the Native Americans, who marked the beginning of the cold and, therefore, the time to start hunting to have meat reserves. Also, for obvious reasons, it is also known as Dying Grass Moon.
Another meteor shower: the Orionids
This meteor shower comes from the remains of the Halley comet and it is a little more intense and longer than the previous one. It begins on October 2 and runs until November 7, although it has its maximum in October 21 and 22. As for the number of meteors per hour, with a clear sky you can see up to 20. Three days later we will have a new Moon, so for these astronomical events we will have a much darker sky.
The solar eclipse that only a few will enjoy
The October 25, the Moon will cover only a part of the sun, so we will see a small cut in this. Nothing to do with when it goes completely dark. Given the will be seen from very few places, it is best to wait to see the images the next day. Of course, if you are in one of those specific places, do not forget to use protection to look at the Sun.
Dances of planets that cannot be missed in astronomical events
As in all the months of astronomical events, they cannot miss some conjunctions between planets or of planets with the Moon.
For example, we will see the Moon with Saturn on October 5, with Jupiter on the 8th and with Mars on the 15th. Without forgetting that on the 12th we will enjoy the approach between our satellite and Uranus.