As the temperatures drop, the night sky becomes a treasure trove of wonders to behold. Get ready for an exciting October with a partial lunar eclipse and an eagerly anticipated meteor shower lighting up the night!
Book your visit this month to see your favorite object in space. We offer a guided Observatory tour and night sky observation via traditional and smart telescopes, like Vespera and Stellina. Al Sadeem Astronomy is the only distributor of these smart telescopes here in the Middle East. You can place an order or inquiry here.
Check out the list of night sky companions when you visit the Observatory this month, and some dates worth taking note of to help you plan your stargazing.
Conventional Telescope Observations
Planet Saturn
Saturn is one of the most beautiful and easily recognizable planets in the night sky, and it’s a fantastic target for stargazers in October.
Planet Jupiter
Jupiter is another stunning planet to observe in the night sky, and its visibility and position in October can also be captivating.
Andromeda (M31)
Our cosmic buddy, the Andromeda Galaxy, also known as M31, is a beautiful spiral galaxy located about 2.5 million light-years away from Earth. It’s actually the closest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way, and scientists predict that it will eventually have a cosmic rendezvous with our galaxy in the distant future, creating an absolutely mind-blowing celestial spectacle. But don’t worry, this cosmic dance won’t happen in our lifetime!
Double Cluster in Perseus
In the Perseus constellation, there’s a striking pair of star clusters called NGC 884 and NGC 869. When viewed through a telescope, they appear as two dazzling jewels in the night sky, creating a breathtaking sight.
The Pleiades – M45
Al Thuraya, also recognized as the Pleiades, graces the Taurus constellation. This eye-catching open star cluster is not only a celestial marvel but also carries cultural significance across different civilizations. Comprising a group of youthful, scorching stars, Al Thuraya proudly shines, captivating observers with its brilliance and serving as a prominent landmark in the night sky.
Moon
Last quarter – 06th October 2023
New Moon – 14th October 2023
First Quarter – 21st October 2023
Full Moon – 28th October 2023
Smart Telescope Observations
- Triangulum Galaxy
The Triangulum Galaxy, also designated as Messier 33 (M33), is a spiral galaxy positioned within the Triangulum constellation. Remarkably, it stands as one of the nearest spiral galaxies to our Milky Way.
- Pegasus Cluster
The Pegasus Cluster, also referred to as Messier 15 (M15), is a globular cluster located within the constellation Pegasus. This cluster boasts a dense assembly of ancient stars, rendering it one of the oldest and most densely populated globular clusters in our celestial landscape. As a result, it presents stargazers with a truly remarkable spectacle when observed in the night sky.
- East Veil Nebula
The East Veil Nebula, often referred to as the Witch’s Broom Nebula, represents a segment of the vast Cygnus Loop supernova remnant. Within its intricate web of luminous gas filaments and detailed formations lies the aftermath of a colossal star’s cataclysmic explosion. This celestial wonder provides a captivating glimpse into the dynamic stages of stellar evolution and the dramatic forces of stellar destruction.
- Jellyfish cluster
The Jellyfish Cluster, also identified as Messier 30 (M30), resides within the boundaries of the Capricornus constellation. This cluster earns its distinctive moniker due to its elongated shape, which intriguingly resembles that of a jellyfish. Within M30, a diverse collection of stars comes together, adding to the allure of this celestial spectacle.
- Crescent Nebula
The Crescent Nebula, scientifically cataloged as NGC 6888, is an emission nebula nestled within the Cygnus constellation. Its defining feature is its unique crescent shape, brilliantly illuminated by a central Wolf-Rayet star. This celestial marvel offers a captivating visual display, where the dynamic interplay of stellar winds and ionized gas paints a vivid cosmic portrait.
- Cocoon Nebula
The Cocoon Nebula, officially known as IC 5146, resides within the confines of the Cygnus constellation. Its enchanting visage is defined by a prominent dark dust lane that bears a striking resemblance to a “cocoon.” Within this celestial cocoon, the intricate process of stellar birth unfolds, rendering it a captivating theater of ongoing star formation.
October Sky Events
- October 6 – The October Camelopardalids’ peak
The October Camelopardalids might not be as famous as some other meteor showers, but they’re a bit of a mystery in the world of space phenomena. Scientists believe they come from the bits and pieces left behind by comets that swing by Earth infrequently.
- October 9 – Draconids Meteor Shower
The Draconid meteor shower, occasionally referred to as the Giacobinids, owes its name to the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, which is its parent body. The October Draconids can be quite erratic, and they offer their most spectacular display during the evening hours. If you’re lucky, you might spot up to 10 meteors per hour, which is known as the Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR).
- October 22 – Orionids Meteor Shower
The “Orionids” meteor shower is set to be one of the most impressive celestial displays, spanning from October 2nd to November 7th, 2023. On the night of October 22nd, when the first quarter moon gracefully dips below the horizon around midnight, the radiant point of the Orionids will emerge in the eastern sky. This meteor shower is anticipated to dazzle with a peak rate of up to 20 meteors per hour when the radiant point reaches its zenith.
- October 24 – Moon-Saturn Conjunction
On October 24, 2023, a special celestial event is set to unfold as the Moon and Saturn align in what’s known as a “conjunction.” The Moon will approach Jupiter, getting as close as 2°53′. When the nearly full moon rises in the east, it will appear very close to Jupiter, offering a striking celestial sight.
- October 28 – Partial Lunar Eclipse
The partial lunar eclipse will begin at 10:00 P.M., Abu Dhabi time, and will reach its maximum at midnight on October 29. But manage your expectations, it will only cover a small portion of the Full Moon. More details about the eclipse here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi?iso=20231028.
- October 29 – Moon-Jupiter Conjunction
On this day, the Moon will come close to Jupiter, getting within 2°53′. When the nearly full moon and Jupiter rise together in the eastern sky, it will be a striking sight.
Sunrise & Sunset Timings
Date Sunrise Sunset
01 October 2023 6.14 A.M. 06.09 P.M.
31 October 2023 6.28 A.M. 05.43 P.M.
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