What’s Up: October 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA
A Meteor Shower and the Moon Near the Pleiades See Saturn at opposition, catch the Orionid meteor shower, and watch the Moon pass close to the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. Skywatching Highlights Transcript Saturn takes center stage, a meteor shower lights up the sky, and the Moon visits the Seven Sisters. That’s […]
October 2026 skywatching promises a celestial spectacle with several notable events.
On October 4, Saturn reaches opposition, meaning it will be visible for much of the night. This happens when Earth passes between the Sun and Saturn, placing Saturn opposite the Sun in our sky and allowing it to rise around sunset and remain visible throughout the night. Observers will be able to gaze upon Saturn in all its glory, with its famous ring system on display.
Eight days later, on October 6, skywatchers can catch a glimpse of the Orionid meteor shower. This meteor shower peaks on this date, but the presence of a thin crescent Moon may interfere with viewing. Therefore, it is recommended to look before dawn after the Moon has set. The meteors in this shower are known to streak across the sky, creating a spectacular light show for observers.
Finally, on October 27-28, the Moon will pass near the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. This event offers skywatchers a chance to observe the Moon in the vicinity of the Pleiades, a beautiful sight in the night sky.
Written by urgent.news from NASA's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- What’s Up: October 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA science.nasa.gov
