Astronomy of October 2018: here's what you can see this month

The high pressure has finally replaced the gray and gloomy weather in the northeast, which means that the month of October – at least the first two weeks – will be conducive to monitoring the night sky. And there's a lot to see this month, including three lunar conjunctions, two meteor showers, and the hunter's moon.

Monday, October 8 – draconid meteor shower

The Draconid meteor shower peaks at the beginning of the month and coincides with the new moon, which means that the sky will be extremely dark to observe the stars. This meteor shower occurs when our planet encounters the debris of the 21P / Giacobini-Zinner comet's tail. The meteors come from the northern constellation Draco, hence its name. Because the origin is so far north, meteors will be easier to spot in northern latitudes such as Canada, Europe, and Northeast Asia.

Thursday, October 11 – Moon and Jupiter

A very bright Jupiter and a burst of moon will put themselves side by side. After sunset, look to the southwest and you will see a faint moon crescent with brilliant Jupiter. They will be together until they settle under the horizon around 20 hours. local hour.

Sunday, October 14 – Moon and Saturn

Look southwest after sunset and you will see Saturn very close to the crescent moon. Right near the horizon, you may be able to see Jupiter, which should be bright. On the left, early south, you will see the pink-colored Mars.

Wednesday 17 October – Moon and Mars

Mars now has its turn with the moon. The pair will be in the southeast sky just after sunset and at its highest point south at 8:30 pm local time. Catch them before they sink under the horizon around 12:30.

Sunday, October 21 – Meteor Shower of the Orionids

The Orionids meteorite rain runs from September 23 to November 27, but peaks on October 21, making it the best opportunity to spot a shooting star from Halley's Comet. Astronomers say the best time to watch for these meteors is between midnight and dawn the days before October 21, when the moon will be below the horizon.

According to NASA, the Orionids are known for their brilliance and speed, moving at 148,000 km / h in the atmosphere. At its peak, this shower can produce 20 meteors per hour.

Sunday, October 21 – Opposition of Uranus

The opposition of a planet occurs when it is facing the sun from our point of view on Earth. Because of its position, it is fully lit by the sun – like a full moon. On October 23, Uranus will be at its peak. However, because of the full moon, you will have a better chance of seeing it the previous days.

Wednesday, October 24 – Hunters full moon

The hunter's moon is scheduled for October 24, so-called because it is traditionally the time of year when hunters try to bring as much meat as possible before winter arrives. Some Native American tribes also call it the Beaver Moon because they traditionally use this time to trap furry animals while they are actively preparing for the winter.

Sunday, October 28 – Mercury and Jupiter are very close

Just after sunset, Mercury and Jupiter will be very close in the southwest sky. The bright star Antares will also be close to their left. Further and to the left, you will be able to locate Saturn. Mars will be visible in the southeast.