What’s Up: October 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA
October is shaping up to be an exciting month for skywatchers, with a stunning supermoon and two meteor showers to look forward to. The highlight of the month will occur on October 6, when the full moon reaches perigee, making it appear approximately 30% brighter and 14% larger than an average full moon. This phenomenon, known as a supermoon, occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Coinciding with this celestial event is “International Observe the Moon Night” on October 4, where moon enthusiasts worldwide gather to celebrate and observe our lunar neighbor. Whether you’re hosting a moon-viewing party or simply enjoying the view from your backyard, this is a perfect time to appreciate the beauty of the moon.
Following the supermoon, skywatchers can also catch the Draconid meteor shower, which will peak around October 8. This annual meteor shower is caused by debris from comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner entering Earth’s atmosphere, with meteors originating from the constellation Draco. While this shower typically produces around 10 meteors per hour, the brightness of the supermoon may hinder visibility. However, if you miss the Draconids, don’t fret—just a couple of weeks later, the Orionid meteor shower will peak on October 21. Originating from the debris of Halley’s Comet, the Orionids promise a more spectacular display with approximately 20 meteors per hour. The timing is perfect, as the new moon on this night will provide a dark sky, enhancing visibility for meteor watchers. The best time to observe the Orionids will be between midnight and 2 a.m., especially looking towards the southeastern sky in the Northern Hemisphere.
In summary, October offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers to engage with celestial events. From the brilliant supermoon illuminating the night sky to the mesmerizing meteor showers of the Draconids and Orionids, this month is packed with exciting astronomical phenomena. So grab a blanket, find a dark spot, and prepare to be awed by the wonders of the universe!
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A supermoon, and meteor showers from the Draconids and Orionids
A supermoon takes over the sky, the Draconid meteor shower peeks through, and the Orionid meteor shower shines bright.
Skywatching Highlights
Oct. 6: The October supermoon
Oct. 6-10: The Draconid meteor shower
Oct. 21: The Orionid meteor shower peaks (full duration Sept. 26 – Nov. 22)
Transcript
What’s Up for October? A Supermoon takes over, the Draconid meteor shower peeks through, and the Orionid meteors sparkle across the night sky.
The evening of October 6, look up and be amazed as the full moon is bigger and brighter because – it’s a supermoon!
Illustrated infographic showing the difference (as seen from Earth) between perigee, when a supermoon appears, and apogee, when a micromoon appears.
NASA/JPL-Caltech
This evening, the moon could appear to be about 30% brighter and up to 14% larger than a typical full moon. But why?
Supermoons happen when a new moon or a full moon coincides with “perigee,” which is when the moon is at its closest to Earth all month.
So this is an exceptionally close full moon! Which explains its spectacular appearance.
And what timing – while the supermoon appears on October 6th, just a couple of days before on October 4th is “International Observe the Moon Night”!
It’s an annual, worldwide event when Moon enthusiasts come together to enjoy our natural satellite.You can attend or host a moon-viewing party, or simply observe the Moon from wherever you are.
So look up, and celebrate the moon along with people all around the world!
The supermoon will light up the sky on October 6th, but if you luck into some dark sky between October 6th and 10th, you might witness the first of two October meteor showers – the Draconids!
The Draconid meteor shower comes from debris trailing the comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner burning up in Earth’s atmosphere
These meteors originate from nearby the head of the constellation Draco the dragon in the northern sky and the shower can produce up to 10 meteors per hour!
The Draconids peak around October 8th, but if you don’t see any, you can always blame the bright supermoon and wait a few weeks until the next meteor shower – the Orionids!
Sky chart showing the Draconid meteor shower, including the radiant point of the shower and the Draco constellation where the meteors in the shower are often seen and stem from.
NASA/JPL-Caltech
The Orionid meteor shower, peaking October 21, is set to put on a spectacular show, shooting about 20 meteors per hour across the night sky.
This meteor shower happens when Earth travels through the debris trailing behind Halley’s Comet and it burns up in our atmosphere.
The full duration of the meteor shower stretches from September 26 to November 22, but your best bet to see meteors is on October 21 before midnight until around 2 am.
Sky chart showing the Orionid meteor shower, including the radiant point of the shower and the Orion constellation where the meteors in the shower are often seen and stem from.
NASA/JPL-Caltech
This is because, not only is this night the shower’s peak, it is also the October new moon, meaning the moon will be between the Earth and the Sun, making it dark and invisible to us.
With a moonless sky, you’re much more likely to catch a fireball careening through the night.
So find a dark location after the sun has set, look to the southeast sky (if you’re in the northern hemisphere) and the northeast (if you’re in the southern hemisphere) and enjoy!
Orionid meteors appear to come from the direction of the Orion constellation but you might catch them all across the sky.
Here are the phases of the Moon for October.
You can stay up to date on all of NASA’s missions exploring the solar system and beyond at science.nasa.gov.
I’m Chelsea Gohd from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and that’s What’s Up for this month.
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