As the sweltering summer gives way to the refreshing embrace of autumn, October arrives as the first non-rainy month that India has witnessed since mid-2023. With clear skies stretching above, this month is set to be a celestial spectacle for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. From meteor showers to rare eclipses, October promises a bounty of astronomical events worth dedicating your stargazing time to.
October 9-10: Draconids Meteor Shower Peaks
Kicking off the month, the Draconids meteor shower takes center stage. Emerging from the Draco constellation near the Vega star, this shower is known for its unpredictable nature. While it typically treats observers to a modest display of around ten meteors per hour, it astonished stargazers with a jaw-dropping outburst of 600 meteors per hour back in 2011. Even in the presence of a bright Full Moon this year, it’s likely to be visible to the naked eye.
October 14: New Moon and Annular “Ring of Fire” Solar Eclipse
On October 14th, two celestial events coincide. The New Moon provides the backdrop for an exceptionally rare Annular Solar Eclipse. This spectacle occurs when the Moon, in perfect alignment with the Sun and Earth, partially obscures the solar disk, creating a fiery ring in the sky.
October 21-22: Orionids Meteor Shower Peaks
With a peak of 20 meteors per hour, this meteor shower emanates from the Orion constellation between 10:30 PM and 6:30 AM IST on October 21st-22nd. Both the Orionids and May’s Eta Aquarids originate from the famous Halley’s Comet, set to grace our skies again in 2061.
October 29: Full “Hunter’s” Moon and Partial Lunar Eclipse
On October 29th, the Full “Hunter’s” Moon graces the night sky, illuminating the entire lunar surface. However, the lunar magic continues with a partial lunar eclipse visible in many parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, including India. In India, the partial eclipse will commence at around 1:05 AM, reach its climax at 1:44 AM, and conclude after about three captivating hours.
As October unfolds, these celestial events invite us to gaze skyward in wonder. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or just someone curious about the wonders of the universe, October 2023 promises to be an extraordinary month for stargazing and celestial exploration.