Astronomical Calendar of October 2024: Top 8 Events to See In the Night Sky

As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, October 2024 invites stargazers to witness a celestial spectacle that promises to ignite our imaginations. This month is a treasure trove of astronomical events, from the enchanting glow of the Full Hunter’s Moon to the dazzling displays of meteor showers. Mid-autumn offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos. So, let’s explore when, how, and where you can make the most of these incredible events!

Stargazing in the UK

The UK is home to some of Europe’s best stargazing locations, offering clear, dark skies ideal for observing stars, planets, and even rare astronomical phenomena. The country’s Dark Sky Parks, like Northumberland and Brecon Beacons, are perfect for viewing the Milky Way, meteor showers, and deep-space objects. Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park and the Isle of Skye are known for their pristine skies, while northern areas occasionally experience stunning aurora displays.

2 October: Annular Solar Eclipse & New Moon

This day, an annular solar eclipse will coincide with the new moon, creating a spectacular “ring of fire” effect visible from parts of South America (it won’t be directly observable from the UK). This rare phenomenon occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the sun but doesn’t completely cover it, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around the moon’s edge.

The eclipse will begin in the southern Pacific Ocean at 15:42 UTC (16:42 BST), reach its maximum at 18:45 UTC (19:45 BST), and end at 21:47 UTC (22:47 BST). Remember, it’s crucial to use proper eye protection when viewing any solar eclipse, as looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage.

5 October: Camelopardalid Meteor Shower Peak

Active from 5 to 6 October, this not-so-well-known shower offers a unique viewing experience for astronomy enthusiasts. The shower’s radiant point is located in the constellation Draco, which is circumpolar from the UK, meaning it’s visible throughout the night. While the radiant reaches its highest point around 11:00 BST, the best viewing time is likely to be shortly before dawn when more meteors will appear to rain vertically downwards.

However, the shower is expected to reach peak activity around 18:00 BST on 5 October, so keen observers should also watch the skies after dusk. As with all meteor showers, finding a dark location away from light pollution will enhance your chances of spotting these celestial streaks across the night sky.

8 October: Draconids Meteor Shower 

Another spectecular meteor shower that will reach its peak at the beginning of October. Unlike many meteor showers that are best viewed in the early morning, the Draconids are most active in the evening, making them ideal for those who prefer to watch the skies without staying up late. The best viewing time will be shortly after nightfall, as the radiant point will be highest in the sky around that time.

This shower is produced by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, first discovered in 1900. While the Draconids are considered a minor meteor shower, typically producing only about 10 meteors per hour, they have the potential for unexpected bursts of activity. The 2024 shower occurs just before the Moon’s First Quarter phase, ensuring good observing conditions with minimal lunar interference.

9-12 October: Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Passes Close to Earth

You don’t want to miss that one! This long-period comet, discovered in early 2023, has generated considerable excitement in the astronomical community due to its potential for brightness. As the comet passes within approximately 70 million kilometers of Earth, current estimates suggest it may reach a magnitude of around 3, potentially making it visible to the naked eye under dark sky conditions. However, it’s crucial to note that comet brightness predictions are notoriously uncertain.

The comet’s visibility will depend on various factors, including the rate of ice sublimation from its nucleus and the amount of dust in its coma and tail. For UK observers, the comet will be visible in the pre-dawn sky, moving through the constellation Serpens. To maximize your chances of spotting it, find a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the eastern horizon. Binoculars or a small telescope will greatly enhance the viewing experience, revealing more detail in the comet’s structure.

14 October: Moon & Saturn Conjunction

In the mid-October, the Moon will make a close approach to Saturn, creating a stunning conjunction visible from the UK. The Moon, approximately 12 days old and 90% illuminated, will be passing just 6’45” north of Saturn. This event will be particularly striking as both celestial bodies will be visible in the evening sky shortly after sunset.

The conjunction will occur around 19:05 BST, with the two objects appearing close enough to fit within the same field of view through binoculars or a small telescope. 

17 October: Full Hunter’s Supermoon

On this day, the Full Hunter’s Moon will illuminate the night sky, coinciding with a supermoon, making it the largest and brightest full moon of the year. The moment of full moon will occur at 12:26 BST, and this event marks the third of four consecutive supermoons in 2024.

As the Moon reaches its perigee – its closest point to Earth – at approximately 2:00 BST on the same day, it will be about 221,937 miles (357,174 km) away. This proximity causes the Moon to appear around 30% brighter and 14% larger than during its farthest point in its orbit.

Traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon, this full moon follows the Harvest Moon and signifies a time when hunters would prepare for winter by tracking game. In the UK, observers can expect to see the Moon rising in the east shortly after sunset, providing a stunning backdrop for evening activities. So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful displays!

20-21 October: Orionids Meteor Shower

Active from September 26 to November 22, the Orionids are renowned for their fast meteors, which can travel at speeds of around 66 kilometers per second. Originating from the debris left by Halley’s Comet, these meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Orion, making it easier for observers to spot them in the night sky. The Orionids meteor shower will peak overnight from 20 to 21 October.

During the peak, viewers can expect to see approximately 10 to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, this year’s viewing may be affected by the waning gibbous moon, which will rise around 7:00 PM and could wash out fainter meteors. 

23 October: Moon & Mars Conjunction

This day, the Moon will be in conjunction with Mars, creating a visually striking event for stargazers. The conjunction will occur at 20:55 BST, with the Moon positioned approximately 4°12′ from Mars. As the evening progresses, the two celestial bodies will make a close approach around 22:20 GMT, coming even closer at a distance. The Moon will be about 61% illuminated, providing a beautiful backdrop for the reddish hue of Mars.