October 2024 is a truly magical time for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible sights of astronomical events from your backyard as the skies are getting cleared from a breathtaking solar eclipse that will leave you gasping to planetary alignments and conjunctions that offer once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunities. Catch up with the Earth’s twin sister Venus for a cup of tea in the evening sky, and gaseous giants Saturn and Jupiter will be visible throughout the night. Also, do not forget to look for the colorful Draconids meteor shower, where you can spot spectacular, colorful meteors.
So, don’t forget to mark your calendar! This October is shaping up to be an incredible time to explore the universe’s wonders. Whether you’re a seasonal stargazer or just curious about what’s up there, you will want to experience the amazing astronomical events that will light up the October sky.
Here you have the complete list of the most amazing astronomical events happening in October 2024:
October 2nd, Annular Solar Eclipse:
Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun, an annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is slightly farther away from Earth in its orbit. As a result, the moon appears smaller in the sky and doesn’t cover the entire solar disk, leaving a bright “ring of fire” around its edges. This amazing astronomical event will be visible across parts of South America, the Atlantic Ocean, southern Europe, and western Africa.
Those in the path of the eclipse will witness the moon move directly between the Earth and the Sun. However, instead of plunging into total darkness, the sky will retain a brilliant halo of light. This astronomical event is a must-see for skywatchers and astronomers alike, as annular eclipses are rarer than partial eclipses but offer a unique visual phenomenon. Observers in the viewing areas are encouraged to use proper solar viewing protection to experience the eclipse safely. Happy Eclipse!!
October 5th, Conjunction of Moon and Venus:
A visually stunning conjunction of Moon and Venus will occur in the evening sky. This close approach, or “appulse,” will be a treat for stargazers, as the two brightest objects in the night sky—excluding the sun—come into proximity. At the time of this amazing astronomical event, the Moon will be in a delicate waxing crescent phase, illuminated at just 8.3%. Despite this, it will shine with a brilliant magnitude of -9.9, making it easily visible.
Venus, often referred to as the “Morning star” or “Evening star,” will glow with a magnitude of -4.0, appearing as a bright point of light just next to the Moon. This pairing is not only visually striking but also offers an excellent opportunity for astrophotography and skywatching. Binoculars or a small telescope will reveal even more detail, such as the subtle features of the Moon’s surface and the phase of Venus.
October 8th, Draconid Meteor Shower:
Credits: Canon/Timo Oksanen
The Draconid meteor shower, active from October 6 to October 10, offers a unique celestial experience for stargazers. Unlike many meteor showers, which are best viewed after midnight, the Draconids are best seen in the early evening, particularly on October 8, when the shower peaks. Originating from comet Giacobini-Zinner, the Draconids can produce variable rates of meteors, with some years showcasing impressive displays.
On peak nights, observers can expect to see around 20 meteors. This shower is visible from both hemispheres, but the northern sky offers the best views. To enhance your experience, find a dark location away from city lights, and enjoy the mesmerizing streaks of light as they illuminate the night sky. Don’t miss this chance to witness this amazing astronomical event!
October 12th, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) passes perigee:
Credit: José J. Chambó (www.cometografia.es)
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will reach its closest point to Earth, or perigee, offering a rare and spectacular view in the night sky and is expected to shine with a magnitude of -2.2, making it visible to the naked eye. This comet promises to be one of the brightest celestial objects of the year. As it passes through the inner solar system, its icy nucleus will vaporize, creating a bright tail that will stretch across the sky.
Skywatchers across the globe will have a chance to witness this breathtaking astronomical event. It’s a perfect opportunity for both amateur astronomers and casual observers to experience the beauty of a comet passing near Earth, an amazing astronomical event that only happens once in a generation.
Want to watch the Comet C2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) with a telescope? Join us @Stargazing Mumbai at our season-first Starry Night event at Bhandardhara on 26th October 2024 where our team of amateur astronomers will help you witness this once in a lifetime moment. Register yourself: Starry Night @Bhandhardhara.
October 14th, Conjunction of Moon and Saturn:
Credits: Nanu Padilla | Astro.Nanuuuuuu
On an exciting evening, the Moon will pass 6.5º north of Saturn at 18:12 UTC, offering a stunning celestial display. The Moon, almost full at 89.3% illumination, will shine brightly with a magnitude of -12.7, while Saturn, with a magnitude of 0.6, will appear as a golden, steady light near the Moon. What makes this an amazing astronomical event is that Saturn will undergo an occultation, a phenomenon where the Moon passes directly in front of the planet, temporarily hiding it from view. Occultations are special events for both seasoned astronomers and casual skywatchers.
As Saturn slips behind the Moon, it will disappear from view, only to reemerge later as the Moon continues its journey across the sky. Observers equipped with telescopes will have the best view, especially of Saturn’s magnificent rings being obscured and then revealed. This conjunction between the Moon and Saturn, coupled with the occultation, provides a rare opportunity to witness the dynamic interactions between two celestial bodies in real-time. Whether watching with the naked eye or through a telescope, this astronomical event is sure to captivate all who gaze up at the night sky.
October 17th, Full Moon:
Credits: NASA Science
The second and final Supermoon of the year will occur on 17th October, offering skywatchers a dazzling view. A supermoon happens when the full moon coincides with its closest earth approach, known as perigee. This time, the moon will be just 357,166 kilometers (221,933 miles) away, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
Since it’s closer than the moon’s average distance from earth, it will stand out noticeably in the night sky, appearing about 7% larger and up to 15% brighter than a typical full moon. This stunning lunar event, which surpasses the moon’s annual mean size, is a visual treat and a favorite for photographers and night sky enthusiasts. Don’t miss this chance to witness the brilliance of the supermoon, a rare and beautiful astronomical event that won’t return for another year!
October 21st, Conjunction of Moon and Jupiter:
Credits : Wikipedia/Jcbeamin
The Moon will pass 5.5º north of Jupiter, creating a beautiful sight in the night sky. The Moon, at 80% illumination, will shine with a magnitude of -12.5, while Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, will glow brightly with a magnitude of -2.6. This conjunction presents a stunning celestial pairing as the nearly full Moon and the gas giant come into close proximity. The two brightest objects in the sky will be easy to spot, even without telescopes. However, with a telescope or binoculars, you can enjoy more detail, including Jupiter’s cloud bands and possibly its largest moons.
October 21st, Orionids Meteor Shower:
Credits: Starwalk/Vito Technology Inc.
The annual meteor shower will be active from October 2 to November 17, but the best night for viewing and photographing it is between October 21 and 22. The shower will peak post-midnight on October 21st, with up to 20 meteors per hour. While the meteor shower is visible and intense in both hemispheres, sky conditions may be less than ideal due to the Moon’s brightness. At the time of the peak, the Moon will be in a 71.4% waning gibbous phase, which could outshine the fainter meteors and reduce visibility.
Despite the Moonlight, this meteor shower remains a captivating astronomical event for stargazers. Those in darker locations, away from city lights, will have the best chance of catching the more prominent meteors streaking across the sky. Be sure to mark your calendars for this cosmic display!
October 23rd, Conjunction of Moon and Mars:
Credits: Vito Technology, Inc.
The Moon will pass just 3.5º north of Mars, creating a beautiful astronomical event. At this time, the Moon will be in its last quarter phase, 55.3% illuminated, with a magnitude of -12.0, making it highly visible in the night sky. Mars, shining with a magnitude of 0.2, will appear as a reddish dot near the bright Moon. Although Mars will be dimmer compared to the Moon, the proximity of these two celestial bodies will be striking. This conjunction offers a fantastic opportunity for skywatchers to observe the dynamic movements of the Moon and planets. Those with binoculars or a telescope may be able to discern some surface details on the Moon.
This month is packed with exciting astronomical events that offer unique opportunities to connect with the cosmos. From the captivating beauty of the Supermoon to the enchanting displays of meteor showers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember to mark your calendars for key dates and find dark skies away from city lights for the best viewing experiences.
Whether you’re an avid astronomer or a casual observer, these amazing astronomical events remind us of the wonders of the universe. So grab your binoculars or telescope, gather friends and family, and step outside to marvel at the night sky. Each astronomical event is a chance to appreciate the beauty and mystery of our solar system, inspiring curiosity and wonder. Happy stargazing!
